For Kirsty Black, every painting begins with a sense of adventure.

Growing up, Kirsty travelled extensively with her family and lived in nine different countries. Often left to entertain herself, she retreated into a rich world of imagination—drawing, painting and inventing stories inspired by the changing sights, sounds and experiences around her.

Art was never about realistic representation. From an early age, Kirsty was drawn to emotion, atmosphere and storytelling, whether experienced in life or imagined entirely.

She initially intended to pursue a career involving writing before retraining as a designer. Kirsty worked on events throughout Europe, using painting as a creative release from the structure and expectations of a professional brief. Over time, her focus shifted increasingly towards painting and becoming a full-time artist.

Her mother was an important creative influence. She transformed the family’s homes around the world using whatever materials were available—from tea crates to palm trees at Christmas—and shared Kirsty’s love of abstraction and joyful colour.

Today, Kirsty creates bold abstract paintings from her studio in Maraetai, accompanied by Jez, her sometimes unhelpful border collie assistant.

Her process is led by gesture, colour and the physical act of painting. She rarely begins with a predetermined outcome; after the first sweep of colour, the palette develops intuitively through energetic brushwork, spontaneous marks and more considered moments.

Bright colour is central to Kirsty’s visual language. Orange is a particular favourite—often finding its way into a painting even when she intends to leave it out—while phthalo blue has a similarly mischievous habit of appearing.

As each work develops, curious creatures and playful narratives begin to emerge. These imagined adventures inspire titles such as Perky Piglet Brigade, Kitty Punk and Dung Beetle Pinball, adding another layer of intrigue without limiting the viewer’s interpretation.

Kirsty often completes a painting with one final dot of colour—usually orange or black—a small gesture that acts almost like a signature.

Her work has been selected as a finalist for notable awards including the Walker & Hall Waiheke Art Award, the Parkin Drawing Prize and the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award. Her work is also held in The Arts House Trust collection and in private collections throughout New Zealand and internationally.

Kirsty’s paintings invite us to romp across the canvas, discover our own characters and create a story from the colour and chaos.

Because the best adventures do not always need a map.