ABOUT– Kirsty Nixon Art

Introducing - Kirsty Nixon

Kirsty Nixon is a contemporary New Zealand artist whose vibrant, light-filled paintings celebrate the untamed beauty of Aotearoa — from the windswept beaches of the North Island to the soaring mountain ranges of the South.

Drawing inspiration from the land, sea, and native birdlife that surround her, Kirsty’s work invites a quiet moment of reflection — a breath of peace amidst the noise of modern life. With an instinctive eye for colour and composition, she transforms everyday encounters with nature into uplifting works of art that feel both familiar and extraordinary. This emotional clarity has seen her work held in private and corporate collections across New Zealand and internationally.

Whether capturing the joyful flight of a Tūī or the golden hush of a far-off coastline, Kirsty paints with emotional honesty and reverence, infusing each brushstroke with connection, memory, and meaning. Her art is a gentle companion — offering beauty, calm, and a renewed sense of belonging in the natural world.

Original Paintings

Outdoor Artworks

Limited Edition Prints

Brushstrokes of Becoming: Kirsty's Creative Journey

An aspiring artist

Creativity and expression have always been intrinsic to Kirsty’s life. Growing up, her avid artistic nature was nurtured by supportive parents who encouraged her passion despite their humble means. “I was really fortunate to have such supportive parents,” Kirsty reflects. “Even on their modest income, they managed to buy me a couple of expensive watercolour brushes and good paper.” This thoughtful investment marked the beginning of her journey as an artist.

Watercolour soon became Kirsty’s chosen medium, instilling in her a profound sense of discipline and patience. By the age of eighteen, the aspiring artist had begun to pursue her dreams in earnest, selling her work alongside other full-time commitments. “I think if art is part of you, it finds you at a very young age. Although I constantly drew and painted as a child, I first took it seriously as a watercolour artist and started selling my work at eighteen,” Kirsty shares.

Reflecting on her early practice, Kirsty remarks, “I am really pleased that watercolour was my medium of choice at the start, as I think it is a great medium for teaching you discipline and patience.” The fluidity and subtlety of watercolour shaped her artistic vision, allowing her to capture the quiet beauty of her surroundings with a delicate and thoughtful touch.

The art of advertising

Kirsty’s ingenious flair for creativity, paired with her ability to bring concepts to life, led her to become an Art Director for an advertising agency. Immersed in an environment of perpetual deadlines, high-pressure demands, and intriguing personalities, Kirsty found her solace in painting. Despite the demands of her agency career, the paintbrushes were never put down to rest — Kirsty continued to explore different mediums and techniques in her free time.

Up until this point, watercolour had remained Kirsty’s defining medium — a style she had embraced for seven years and one that shaped her early artistic identity. Yet, in 1994, she naturally transitioned to acrylics, finding joy in the impact and freedom that the medium allowed. This shift, while distinctive, was driven by Kirsty’s genuine love for the expressive possibilities of acrylic paint. The result was a collection of acrylic works that conveyed a dynamic and spontaneous interpretation of the New Zealand landscape. The positive reception of this new approach resonated deeply with viewers, becoming the catalyst for Kirsty to consider painting full-time.

Reflecting on this pivotal decision, Kirsty shares, “I spent time in advertising pushing my brain to explore words and imagery (I still enjoy the clever boundaries design and literature can push). One day, advertising became too much. The artistic pull was strong, and I chose to become a full-time artist in 1997 — the best move I ever made.”

Embracing creativity

The journey from advertising agency Art Director to self-employed, full-time artist was not without its challenges for Kirsty Nixon. Taking the leap required immense courage and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. As Kirsty reflects, “This was a difficult time in my life — it’s a brave move to jump. I honestly thought I would do it short-term, then go back to ‘real life’. Although I did love advertising, there was a lot about it that didn’t fit my personality. I think if you really want something, you have to jump and go all in!”

Kirsty’s early landscape works, featuring solitary coastal vistas and sweeping mountain ranges, resonated deeply with viewers. The quiet beauty of these pieces invited contemplation and calm. “They resonated with people for years. I often wonder if it’s because we crave that peacefulness and alone time,” she reflects. Embracing acrylics and full-time art marked a turning point, as Kirsty refined her ability to capture the vibrant interplay of colour and light that defines Aotearoa’s whenua (land).

For several years, her focus remained on serene beach scenes and landscapes untouched by human presence. This sense of stillness mirrors Kirsty’s own connection to nature — painting became a sanctuary, her “happy place,” where she found solace and creative freedom. “Not painting for a while can make me anxious, and I can literally feel my shoulders relax when I'm behind the canvas once again. After working in the rush and pressure of advertising, I now cherish the peace my life and subject matter provide me.”

Taking flight

The transition from tranquil mountain vistas to intimate foliage and native birds was subconsciously prompted by personal loss. After her beloved father passed away, birds began to appear in Kirsty’s paintings. “When I lost my wonderful dad, the birds began to feature in my artwork. Birds even sounded louder to me,” she reflects. “I often have little chats with the Tūī in the back garden or say ‘Hi Dad’ when a Fantail seems to be hanging around.” When her darling mother passed away, once again, the birds’ songs became a comforting chorus.

Captivated by their presence and unique characters, Kirsty paints each bird as if they are thinking or communicating. “Once I paint the dot of light in the eye, they just come alive to me,” she explains. This sense of connection brought newfound purpose to her work. “I've always felt that there is something more to this life we're living. Now that I'm painting the birds, I feel a lot more connected,” she reflects.

Introducing birds marked a turning point in Kirsty’s artistic journey — one shaped by loss, love, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Aotearoa’s flora and fauna. “Once I shifted the focus from the background to the foreground foliage and introduced the birds, it felt like I’d hit my mark,” Kirsty says. This breakthrough led her to release fine art prints — a move encouraged by her brother and warmly received by those who connect with her work.

Beyond the horizon

Artistic journeys, like life itself, are ever-evolving. For Kirsty Nixon, her creative path has come full circle, returning to the landscapes that first shaped her artistic career—but with a fresh perspective. Her latest collection, Roadies, is a heartfelt ode to exploration, freedom, and the spirit of travel within New Zealand. Inspired by memorable road trips, these paintings capture glimpses of the open road, windswept coastlines, and distant mountain ranges. “Although I have explored other subjects, I am constantly drawn to the New Zealand landscape,” she shares.

This return to landscapes doesn’t mean leaving behind her connection to Aotearoa’s native birds. Kirsty now embraces all three worlds, painting for her Flora & Fauna, Chorus of Colour, and Roadies collections — each offering a unique lens through which to explore Aotearoa’s rich natural beauty.Reflecting on her evolution, she says, “How strange to look back and see your work evolve. It’s like watching your child grow. You don’t notice it happening. I love where I’ve landed right now.” This blend of land and wildlife allows Kirsty to capture both the vast beauty of New Zealand and the delicate presence of its native inhabitants.

Kirsty’s art remains a personal reflection of her journey. “Although it can be rewarding, frustrating, joyous, and terrifying, I can’t imagine not having it in my life,” she admits. Whether painting a rugged coastline or the watchful gaze of a Tūī, her work speaks to the beauty of Aotearoa and the emotions it evokes. Kirsty's journey is far from over, with the horizon ahead, full of possibilities.

Gallery Representation

Kirsty’s work is proudly represented by a curated selection of New Zealand-owned and operated galleries—each celebrating her timeless connection to place, nature, and artistry.