Pirongia - Mangauika Eel Painting

Toni Kingstone lives in rural Waikato where she works from her home studio overlooking Mount Pirongia. Mainly self-taught, her life has been full of creative endeavours but it wasn’t until 2016 that she began painting seriously after completing a short online course with Pennsylvania State University. She transitioned to being a full-time artist three years later, and now works predominantly in acrylic, metallic pigments and resin to create flowing, abstract seascapes and landscapes that capture the mystical light of dusk and dawn. Working into the style of Magical Realism, Toni’s goal is to bring a New Zealand flavour to this art movement by presenting objects of reality within a magical context; adding detail to draw focus to the everyday but expressed within fantastical dream-like landscapes. Her paintings have a wonderful sense of division between earth, sea and sky - beautiful spaces often with a sense of grace. “With each painting I aim to lead the viewer to a place of calm contemplation, most often of the natural world but also regarding social issues or the human condition.” Beginning with a concept she is initially led by the flow of the paint itself - guiding the direction with intuitive ‘action’ painting, then adding or removing elements with additional paint, palette knife or brushwork. “I can control the colours and the movement of the paint but ultimately the paint will blend in a different way each time, resulting in an embodiment of balance and a truly unique piece that can never be replicated”. Sealed under art resin, the ‘liquid glass’ finish brings the reflective pigments to life, lending the illusion of sunlight sparkling on sand and water, amplifying the colours and conveying a depth to the finished work that is only revealed as light plays across the surface. Her 'Hidden Mountains' series are peaceful landscapes with hidden elements that the viewer doesn't always see at first glance - native birds and the female form, many inspired by the ancient myths and legends of a specific place. ‘Symbolism’ is a new series exploring social, political and environmental issues expressed through symbolic shapes, incorporating collage, mixed media and resin. Toni’s works have been shown in three solo exhibitions, regional art shows and numerous group exhibitions. Her paintings can be found in the homes of collectors and art lovers in her home country and internationally.