Late Afternoon, Banks Peninsula is a quietly expansive original by Kirsty Nixon, part of her much-loved Roadies collection—a series inspired by slow drives, sun-warmed landscapes, and the simple pleasure of exploring Aotearoa by road. This piece captures the golden stillness of a classic South Island scene, where the day begins its gentle descent into evening.

Broad strokes of ochre and olive sweep across the canvas, forming the undulating hills of Banks Peninsula. Sunlight catches the crests while deep native greens settle in the valleys. In the foreground, a weathered farmer’s fence—its wooden posts and loose barbed wire softened by time—grounds the scene in the familiar rhythm of rural life.

Overhead, wide skies stretch beyond the frame, evoking that quiet breath you take as the car slows and the view opens. There’s a feeling of pause here, of arriving at a moment that asks nothing more than to be taken in.

Banks Peninsula, just southeast of Christchurch, is a place shaped by volcanic origins and beloved for its dramatic hills, hidden bays, and winding coastal roads. The journey to Akaroa—long and twisting—offers some of the most striking vistas in the region.

For Kirsty, the connection is personal. “One of our children is living in Christchurch,” she shares. “When visiting, we often grab a coffee in Tai Tapu and start our day tripping around the region—usually finishing up with a lovely cold one somewhere with a view.”

Late Afternoon, Banks Peninsula is more than a landscape—it’s a love letter to the road, to memory, and to the soft magic of golden hour. It invites the viewer to slow down, breathe in the light, and experience a familiar kind of peace that lingers long after the journey ends.

Hand-painted and signed by the artist, this original work is created with professional-grade, pigment-rich acrylics on stretched cotton canvas, and sealed with archival varnish for lasting vibrancy. A contemplative and richly textured piece, it speaks to both place and presence—a timeless window into the beauty of Aotearoa.

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.