The Story Behind the Painting

Kōkako Portrait

This original mixed-media artwork combines graphite, ink, and oil paint to celebrate the quiet beauty of the Kōkako, one of New Zealand’s most cherished native birds. By keeping most of the composition in delicate graphite and ink, I wanted to draw attention to the striking blue wattles and the vibrant berries that sustain these remarkable birds in their forest habitat.

The contrast between monochrome detail and carefully placed colour invites the viewer to pause and appreciate the Kōkako’s unique elegance. Known for its haunting, organ-like song that drifts through the native bush, the Kōkako is a symbol of New Zealand’s rich natural heritage. This portrait is both a study of the bird’s grace and a tribute to the fragile ecosystems that support its survival, capturing a moment of quiet connection between the birds and the forest they call home.

Interested in a similar piece?

I welcome commission enquiries for works inspired by New Zealand

Native Birds.