• Those Halcyon Days - Heather Denison

Paintings inspired by our connection to the natural world

Heather Denison Wildlife Painter artist New Zealand

Heather Denison is a full time artist who works from her studio in the countryside of Hawke’s Bay.

She was born in Zimbabwe and spent her early years working as a graphic designer, but it was her love of wildlife that lead her to a career as an artist.

Since her move to New Zealand in 2003, the focus of her work has changed from the wild animals of Africa to the wildlife and gardens surrounding her rural property.

Heather has won awards for her bird and botannical artwork and has paintings held in private collections in New Zealand and Overseas.

“My inspiration comes, mostly, from the connection between the natural world and the human element. In my still life paintings, the blend of past and present; man-made items combined with the creatures that inhabit the landscape echo that delicate balance. In all my work, I strive to capture the emotion, atmosphere and beauty of my subject matter.”

Themes

A Selection of Past Works

Still Life

In the still life series, the beautiful bowls and objects are fragile and offer a temporary place of protection, referencing the transiency of life.

Forget Me Not - Heather Denison
Out of the Woods - Heather Denison

Interiors

In the interior spaces, our wild creatures echo our own feelings of isolation and constraint. Although they are comfortable, there is a longing for an escape to the wilderness.

Bovine

I started painting the bull series when we moved out to a lifestyle block and I could observe these animals closely. I start refining the eyes quite early on in the process and then I feel a connection to them while the rest of the painting evolves.

Juvenile - Heather Denison

Exhibitions

“Eloquent Allegory” Quirky Fox, Hawera 2024
The Artist’s Room Fine Art Gallery, Dunedin 2023
“Small Works” Beinart Gallery, Melbourne 2022
“Deep Waters” Quirky Fox, Hawera 2022
“Chimera” Quirky Fox, Hawera July 2020
“Lepus Fantasticus” Deciduus, Tirau 2019
“Awakening” Deciduous, Tirau 2018
NZ Art Show Wellington 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Art-X, Napier 2016, 2017, 2018
Artfusions, Auckland 2009

The Artist’s Room Gallery, October 2023
Artbay Gallery, Queenstown, Front Room Exhibition, opens September 2022
“Allure” Quirky Fox, Hawera May/June 2021
“Sanctuary” Deciduus & Santie Tirau September 2020
“Collections” Havelock North Function Centre 2013
“A Natural Perspective” Clearview Winery, Hawkes Bay 2008