Original Paintings
One of a kind original paintings, inspired by the birds and landscapes of Aotearoa
There are 38 species of falcon found around the world, but only one is found here in New Zealand - the kārearea (New Zealand falcon). Today there are estimated to be only 5,000–8,000 kārearea left in NZ, making this a threatened native bird.
I've wanted to paint this amazing bird for a while now - their beautiful brown and burnt orange plumage, contrasting with the sunflower yellow around their eyes, made this bird a dream to paint.
This original kārearea painting features a background of sage green in various depths of colour, representing the forests, open country and vineyards these birds roam across.
Details:
Dimensions: 25cm x 25cm canvas (approx. 27cm x 27cm framed)
Materials: acrylic on canvas, framed in an American Ash tray frame (55mm deep frame)
Shipping: Rates for shipping within New Zealand and Australia are available at checkout. For a quote for shipping elsewhere in the world, please email directly for a quote.
Note: limited edition prints may be created from this painting
Featuring a cheeky piwakawaka (fantail) balanced on a geometric fern — a symbol of strength, growth, and new beginnings. Painted in soft pastel sage green and finished with a white mat board.
Painting details;
A4 size 330gsm paper
Hand painted with acrylic paint - one of a kind!
White mat board included to fit an 11 × 14 inch frame
Signed with certificate of authenticity
I’ve been lucky to have met a lot of wonderful Australians in my life so far, and this piece is definitely a representation of the love and laughs I’ve shared with them over the years!
The kookaburra is native to Australia. A bird with incredible fluffy feathers and an unreal laugh. Kingfishers are my absolutely favourite thing to paint, so it wasn’t surprising to me to know that they are a member of the kingfisher family.
I also found out recently that New Zealand is the home to around 500 kookaburras. They can be found on Kawau Island, the Hauraki Gulf, and the adjacent mainland east coast from the Whangarei district to Riverhead, and the southern Waitakere Ranges.
The beautiful blue feathers dotted in their plummage made this aqua blue background the perfect choice to properly show off this amazing bird.
Dimensions; 25cm x 25cm canvas - approx 27cm x 27cm framed
Materials; acrylic on canvas framed in an American Ash tray frame (55mm deep frame)
SHIPPING - Rates for shipping within New Zealand and Australia are able to be selected at checkout. For a quote for shipping elsewhere in the world, please email me directly here for a quote.
*Note that limited edition prints may be created from this painting.
'Midnight Snack' is an original kiwi bird painting - this piece has sold, but you can view the ‘Midnight Snack’ print here
This kiwi bird is stepping out to find his first meal of the night, walking upon the forest floor lit with golden moonlight.
The pale green background represents the forest and shrublands that kiwi love to roam through, with the ground created from a variety of metallic gold triangles — a one-of-a-kind piece of New Zealand wildlife art.
Details:
Dimensions: 30cm x 30cm canvas (approx. 32cm x 32cm framed)
Materials: acrylic on canvas, framed in an American Ash tray frame (55mm deep frame)
Featuring a beautiful ruffled tui balanced on a heart shaped geometric ferns — a symbol of strength, growth, and new beginnings. Painted in soft pastel ultramarine blue, and finished with a white mat board.
Painting details;
A4 size 330gsm paper
Hand painted with acrylic paint - one of a kind!
White mat board included to fit an 11 × 14 inch frame
Signed with certificate of authenticity
Motukorea (Browns Island) on a perfect Auckland day - a moment from the water inspired by many boating days with my family. This original New Zealand landscape painting captures geometric ocean facets catching the light, clouds moving across a dreamy sky, and that particular sparkle of the Hauraki Gulf that Aucklanders know so well.
The circular composition holds it all - the stillness, the colour, the feeling of being somewhere beautiful with nowhere else to be. It's the kind of piece that changes depending on the light in the room, and will give you a joy boost every time you walk past it.
If you love Auckland harbour art, big colour, and coastal art that feels genuinely alive on the wall, this one was made for you.
'Edge of Motukorea' is a one of a kind original — there will be no prints of this one, ever. The collector who buys this special piece will be the only person in the world who owns it.
Details:
Medium: acrylic on 34mm deep wood panel
Size: 80cm diameter (circular)
If you're in Auckland and would love to see this piece in your home before deciding, I'm happy to organise a visit. I know how tricky it can be to picture something in your space! Wherever you are, send me a photo of the wall you have in mind and I'll put together a digital mockup for you.
SHIPPING
Shipping is free within New Zealand.
Shipping internationally is available - please enquire here for a quote if you are not in NZ or Australia (shipping options for these regions can be selected at checkout).
'Between Sky & Sea' is an original kōtare (kingfisher) painting - a tiny kōtare sits on its perch, framed by the vibrant blue sky of a new day and a teal backdrop inspired by the sea.
This one-of-a-kind piece captures a peaceful snapshot of early light and stillness, celebrating the quiet beauty of one of Aotearoa's most treasured native birds at dawn.
Details:
Dimensions: 30cm x 30cm canvas (approx. 32cm x 32cm framed)
Materials: acrylic on canvas, framed in an American Ash tray frame (55mm deep frame)
Note: limited edition prints may be created from this painting.
Featuring a fluffy silvereye with beautiful green and brown shades, balanced upon a geometric fern — a symbol of strength, growth, and new beginnings. Painted in a vibrant green, and finished with a white mat board.
Painting details;
A5 size 330gsm paper
Hand painted with acrylic paint - one of a kind
White mat board included to fit an 8 × 10 inch frame
Signed with certificate of authenticity
*This original has sold but limited edition prints are available right here.
The most challenging, intricate painting I’ve created to date, ‘Magic Of Mauao’ took more than 2 years to complete.
My vision for this painting was to capture the iconic features of Mauao and Waikorire (Pilot Bay), alongside the magic energy that is experienced when visiting this one of a kind place.
The geometry of the water draws you in to the base of Mount Maunganui before your eye is taken in by the many details of the trails, trees, imperfections of the land, buildings and iconic pine trees that line the beach.
Violet tones set the sky alight, creating a special contrast with the lime green highlights of the land below. Inspired by the beautiful purple tones that fill the Tauranga sky in autumn, large fluffy clouds soak up these calming colours.
To see more about this painting, the process and details, please click here. I have created a special video to share the full story of this very significant painting with you.
Medium - Acrylic on 34mm deep wood panel.
Size - 1m diameter (circular)
Struggling to choose? Here’s an easy option to let someone special decide on the piece of art that is right for them.
Choose from $50, $100, $250, $500 or $1000 vouchers.
Remember to add any specifics you would like included on the gift card at checkout (in the notes section). The gift card will be sent to you (or your chosen recipient) in an embossed envelope.
Feel free to email Lucy at lucy@lucymelville.com to talk more about options for gift cards.
Featuring a fluffy kotare (kingfisher) balanced upon on two geometric ferns forming a heart shape — a symbol of strength, growth, and new beginnings. Painted in pastel turquoise and finished with a white mat board.
Painting details;
A4 size 330gsm paper
Hand painted with acrylic paint - one of a kind!
White mat board included to fit an 11 × 14 inch frame
Signed with certificate of authenticity
This beautiful whio (or blue duck) stands atop of a mossy rock looking down to the stream below. The contrast between the deep blues, lime green mossy rock and burnt umber feathers make this piece really pop.
The whio is an endangered New Zealand bird that is believed to come from an ancient species of waterfowl. These creatures are beautiful and a little bit magical!
Acrylic on 40 x 50cm wood panel, framed in a black wood tray frame (approx 45cm x 55cm framed). The frame shows the grain in the wood making it feel earthy and luxurious.
SHIPPING - Rates for shipping within New Zealand and Australia are able to be selected at checkout. For a quote for shipping elsewhere in the world, please email me directly here for a quote.
This piece was created to adorn a custom limited edition notebook made for an New Zealand company (for gifting to their staff).
A limited edition print may be released of this painting.
Hi, I’m Lucy,
An Auckland based artist inspired by the birds, bush and coastline of Aotearoa New Zealand.
I see the world in patterns. The fractal geometry in a fern, the light on the Hauraki, the way nature repeats itself in ways that are both mathematical and magical. My work explores the contrast between the soft organic forms of flora and fauna and the geometric structure that underpins all living things.
Every original piece is made by hand in my Auckland studio, with a lot of love and a lot of layers. My prints are produced to the highest fine art standard, archival quality and built to last a lifetime.
If you find something here that speaks to you, you're not just buying art for your wall. You're bringing home a piece of New Zealand, made by someone who loves this place as much as you do.
