New Zealand Birds
A variety of beautiful birds which are found here in New Zealand.
Morning Message
Inspired by yet another wonderful image from Sue Henley Photography. I set to work painting this lil NZ Fantail (Piwakawaka).
The pīwakawaka (New Zealand fantail) is an iconic native bird of Aotearoa, weighing only about 8 grams. Recognised by its fan-shaped tail, energetic acrobatics, and friendly habit of following humans to catch disturbed insects, it thrives across native forests, parks, and gardens.
Acrylic paint on canvas 20cm x 25cm - now framed.
In Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview), the pīwakawaka is revered as a compelling kaitiaki (guardian) of the forest and a messenger between the gods and humans. In traditional mythology, its distinct bulbous eyes and erratic, dancing flight patterns are attributed to the demi-god Māui, who famously squeezed the tiny bird when it refused to reveal where the secret of fire was hidden.
The Quiet Fisherman
The Blue Heron is found in our region here in Porirua and my Mum worked at the local tavern with the same name when I was very young.
The Blue Heron is actually technically a Grey Heron with a bluish-grey colour. My piece is called…
‘The quiet fisherman’
Acrylic paint on cotton canvas 280mm x 360mm
Kotare Fishing
The New Zealand kingfisher, universally known by its Māori name kōtare, is a native, non-threatened bird species (Todiramphus sanctus vagans) widely distributed across the country. Also called the sacred kingfisher, it is famously recognised by its hunched silhouette perching patiently on power lines, fences, or coastal branches before diving swiftly to strike its prey.
Acrylic on canvas, 205 mm x 255 mm
Ideal original painting for a small space.
Morning Light
After struggling for a couple of days on my Kingfisher in acrylics, yesterday afternoon I had a moment where things seemed to go OK.
Managed to paint this beautiful Tui bathing in the early morning light. Hope you like her.
The tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) is an iconic, medium-sized honeyeater endemic to New Zealand. Recognisable by its glossy iridescent blue-green plumage and distinctive white throat tufts (poi), it is renowned for its complex, loud vocalisations and exceptional ability to mimic human speech and environmental sounds
Acrylic paint on canvas, 20 cm x 25 cm - now framed.
Baby Love
Spur Wing Plover Chick
The chicks hatch covered in down and are precocial—meaning they leave the nest and can forage for insects and worms independently almost immediately after hatching.
Inspired by a photo by Sue Henley Photography taken in Marlborough, where these beautiful birds are plentiful.
Acrylic painting on canvas panel 255mm x 205mm
Lil Ruru
Original photo credit Paul Francis
‘Lil Ruru’
Ruru nohinohi is the Māori name for the introduced little owl (Athene noctua), a small bird brought to New Zealand from Germany in the early 1900s.
Minimal background so that the focus is solely on this wonderful little owl.
Acrylic on canvas board 255mm x 200mm
Prince of the South
The Kea (Nestor notabilis) is an extraordinary, highly intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. Renowned for its bold, mischievous nature and exceptional puzzle-solving skills, it is often locally referred to as the "clown of the mountains".
Acrylic painting on canvas 290mm x 290mm
Ruru o Hongoeka
The New Zealand morepork (scientific name: Ninox novaeseelandiae), most widely known by its Māori name ruru, is New Zealand’s only surviving native forest owl. Named onomatopoeically after its distinctive two-pitched "more-pork" night call, this small, speckled brown bird is a cherished icon of the New Zealand bush and suburban green spaces.
Acrylic painting on canvas. 405mm x 305mm