My darling girl Bailey. My biggest critic who delivers her opinions with kindness. Always. She is loving and gentle but quietly determined. We have been talking about positive self talk lately and it makes my heart swell at the possibilities that are ahead of her. I couldn’t help but paint a fun moment captured after her and her sister got into my eyeshadow. This painting isn’t finished but I’m at the end of my painting week about to switch back into mum mode. I have been quietly working on multiple pieces that aren’t quite ready to be seen #nzart #nzportrait #nzartist #portraitartist #oilpainting #oilportrait

Eeeek so close to the finish line #nzart #nzartist #portraitpainting #nzoilpainting #nzportrait

Concepts and ideas around paintings are a funny thing. They often come from a moment that is playing out in front of me or while being still. I will try and capture elements of the idea with my camera and if it’s more of a visual concept inside my head I need to document it through writing or a badly scribbled image. Often these ideas are forgotten or lost but if I’m lucky they will niggle at me until I have the chance to bring them into physical form. The real meaning behind the work comes from the hours of creating and sitting with a piece. This one feels special as most often do, if I’m extremely lucky my hand and skill can keep up with the idea that is growing. Like I said, this one feels special 🍀 #nzartist #artconcept #ideas #wednesdaythoughts #oilpainting

Current work on on the Easel 🌱 #painting #oilpainting #portrait #green #nzart #nzartistsoninstagram

I’m feeling incredibly lucky to be able to capture two of my most favourite people in our special place #nzportrait #nzartist #portraitartist #nzart #portrait #oilpainting

Little bits here and there on this one. All the little moments of colour ✨ #nzartist #nzoilpainting #portrait #portraitpainting #portraitartist

Oh this one was fun! No plan other than a brilliant reference photo of my daughter Bailey’s eye and a beautiful background created by my youngest Phoebe. It felt like they guided me through this one 600mm x 600mm Mixed media on wood panel #eyeart #eyepainting #roundpainting #daughterseye #nzartist #nzpainter

Messy studio, messy painting and some messy thoughts. Started last night, not finished but done for now 600mm x 600mm Oil on canvas #nzartist #oilpainting #oilportrait #portraitpainting #ohopebeach #nzart

Spring is just around the corner… excited for some warmer walks on the beach 🌅 (Currently untitled) 600mm x 600mm Oil on wood panel #beachdays #sunsets #oilpainting #portraitpainting #nzart #ohopebeach

I started with no expectations, and fell in love with the process. I’ve also felt a little disappointed as the background wasn’t as I had hoped but reminded myself that each painting is a stepping stone to the artist I want to be ✨ #nzlandscape #nzpainting #nzartist #portraitpainting #ohopebeach