Bottoms Up is an original painting by Kirsty Nixon, featuring a solitary Tūī hanging upside down amongst sweeping Nīkau palm fronds, lush Kawakawa leaves and vibrant clusters of golden-yellow Kōwhai flowers. Its iridescent blue-green plumage contrasts beautifully with the warm yellow blooms and rich green foliage, while glimpses of soft pastel blue sky bring light and freshness to the composition.

The painting reflects Kirsty’s enduring fascination with Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna, bringing together intricate botanical detail and the lively character of New Zealand’s birdlife. Through carefully layered foliage, she creates a sense of depth and movement, inviting viewers into an intimate moment within the native bush.

The Tūī is one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable native birds, distinguished by its iridescent plumage, delicate white throat tufts and remarkable vocal abilities. With its specialised brush-tipped tongue, the Tūī feeds on nectar from native flowering plants, including Kōwhai, playing an important role in pollination. Its acrobatic feeding habits often see it hanging upside down to reach nectar, a playful behaviour beautifully captured in this painting.

Full of colour, character and movement, Bottoms Up celebrates the spirited nature of the Tūī and its close connection to Aotearoa’s native flora. The painting captures a fleeting moment of life within the bush, balancing vibrant botanical detail with the quiet beauty of the natural world.

This original painting is part of Art by the Sea’s exhibition, Ngā Manu Motuhake – Special Birds.

Your original Kirsty Nixon painting is a one-of-a-kind artwork. Caring for it properly will help preserve its beauty, value, and the connection it brings into your space for many years to come.

Each original has been hand-painted by Kirsty using high-quality, pigment-based acrylics on stretched cotton canvas, and sealed with a protective, fade-resistant archival varnish. These materials have been chosen for their exceptional longevity and vibrancy.

Please read the following care guidelines carefully to ensure the lasting preservation of your original artwork.

Handling
Minimise handling wherever possible. Always carry your painting by holding the stretcher bars or the outer frame (if framed), rather than the canvas itself. Avoid touching the painted surface directly, as natural oils from your skin can leave permanent marks. When placing or resting the painting, ensure the surface is clean, dry, and cushioned—never lay the artwork face-down.

Sunlight Exposure
Although sealed with a protective UV-resistant varnish, your painting should not be hung in direct sunlight. Over time, even the most durable pigments can fade if continuously exposed to harsh light. If your chosen hanging location receives occasional light exposure, consider UV-filtering glass or framing solutions for added protection.

Environment
Original paintings are best displayed in areas with stable temperature and humidity. Avoid hanging near sources of moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens, and keep away from direct airflow from heaters or air conditioning units. Fluctuations in humidity and temperature can weaken the canvas or cause warping over time.

Select a low-traffic location to avoid accidental bumps or scratches and hang your painting at a safe elevation—away from small children and pets.

Cleaning
Never use water, solvents, or cleaning products on your painting. To remove dust, gently wipe the surface with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth or use a clean, soft-bristle artist’s brush. Always use light pressure and avoid rubbing. Do not attempt to remove stubborn marks—seek professional conservation advice if necessary.

Storage and Transport
If you need to store or transport your original painting, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper or glassine, followed by a layer of bubble wrap for protection. Avoid using plastic directly against the canvas, as it can trap moisture and encourage mould growth. Always store in a dry, climate-controlled environment, ideally upright rather than flat.

For longer-term storage, consider using a sturdy art box or crate to prevent pressure on the canvas and accidental damage.

With thoughtful care and consideration, your original Kirsty Nixon painting will continue to offer joy, colour, and a peaceful sense of place—just as the artist intended.

Please note that the framing and in situ images are intended solely as visual inspiration, offering a contextual representation of the artwork within a styled environment and frame.

These mockups are not to scale and do not reflect the exact proportions of the artwork. For accurate sizing, kindly refer to the Artwork Dimensions provided above.