artists
every piece has a story, and every story begins with an artist
NORTHLAND, NEW ZEALAND · CONTEMPORARY PAINTER
Sue Anson
Sue Anson is a Northland artist whose paintings draw inspiration from the natural beauty, atmosphere and changing light of the landscapes around her. With an eclectic creative approach, she enjoys experimenting with different styles and materials, allowing each work to develop through curiosity and discovery.
about
Sue Anson has lived in Northland for more than 40 years and continues to find inspiration in the region’s distinctive landscapes, harbours and natural environment.
Although Sue has always been interested in art, it was not until her retirement that she finally had the opportunity to pursue this long-held creative passion more fully.
She had attended occasional art workshops in earlier years, but has recently become increasingly involved in local workshops and regular painting. The guidance and encouragement of a talented local artist and mentor have played an important role in developing her confidence and practice.
Nature is a constant source of inspiration. Sue is particularly drawn to the beauty of Northland, where soft light, open water and expansive landscapes offer endless possibilities for painting.
Her acrylic triptych Pārengarenga Harbour celebrates both the historic character and breathtaking natural beauty of one of the Far North’s most remarkable places. Soft textures and light move across the three connected panels, creating an atmospheric response to the harbour rather than a purely literal representation.
Sue’s interests remain intentionally broad. Her eclectic taste encourages her to explore new styles, techniques and mediums rather than limiting herself to a single way of working.
For Sue, painting is an ongoing process of learning, experimentation and looking more closely at the landscape she has called home for more than four decades.
Because sometimes retirement is not an ending—it is the opportunity to finally begin something that has always been waiting.
in the rooms
Sue Anson
Rolling bands of coral and deep green meet a pale blue sky, while playful organic shapes flow through the foreground.
In Shape Shifter 5, Sue Anson contrasts a softly graduated sky with bold contours of orange, rust, brown and turquoise. Rounded shapes stretch and curl across the lower surface, creating a rhythmic landscape of shifting colour and form.
Part of her Shape Shifter series, this mixed media painting explores the shapes, layers and textures that make up our landscape. The open sky gives the composition breathing room, balancing the lively movement below.
Its horizontal format would bring warmth and colour to a living room, bedroom or entranceway, complementing natural timber, woven textures and simple interiors.
Colourful · Rhythmic · Flowing
Mixed media · 91.5 cm wide × 61 cm high × 2 cm deep
UNFRAMED
Some room images show Shape Shifter 5 alongside Shape Shifter 4 by Sue Anson. Each artwork is sold individually.
Sue Anson
A softly textured sky opens above rolling dark hills and flowing shapes of coral, orange and turquoise.
In Shape Shifter 4, Sue Anson brings together layered bands of deep green, rust and pale blue. Rounded forms spread across the foreground, their warm colours and contrasting outlines creating a lively sense of movement.
Inspired by the shapes, forms, layers and textures of our landscape, Sue balances an expansive sky with the intricate rhythms below. Visible creases and raised textures add another dimension to the softly coloured upper surface.
Its horizontal format would bring warmth and colour to a living room, dining space or wall above a sideboard, complementing timber, ceramics and neutral interiors.
Textural · Flowing · Warm
Mixed media · 91.5 cm wide × 61 cm high × 2 cm deep
UNFRAMED
Some room images show Shape Shifter 4 alongside another work by Sue Anson from the series. Each artwork is sold individually.
Sue Anson
Coral, rust and turquoise flow beneath a softly coloured sky, turning the landscape into a rhythm of rounded shapes.
In Shape Shifter 3, Sue Anson places rolling bands of deep green and warm red beneath an open expanse of pale blue and peach. Organic forms ripple through the foreground, their contrasting outlines creating movement and playful relationships between colour and shape.
Part of her Shape Shifter series, the painting explores the forms, layers and textures that make up our landscape. Inspired by nature, Sue simplifies these elements into an abstract composition that balances a quiet sky with an animated foreground.
Its vertical format would bring warmth and character to a living room, entranceway or creative workspace, complementing timber furniture, neutral walls and natural textures.
Rhythmic · Warm · Flowing
Mixed media · 61 cm wide × 91.5 cm high × 3.5 cm deep
UNFRAMED · The rust-red border is painted as part of the artwork.
Some images show Shape Shifter 3 alongside Shape Shifter 2 by Sue Anson. Each artwork is sold individually.
Sue Anson
Soft blue sky meets flowing bands of earth and colour in an abstract interpretation of the landscape.
In Shape Shifter 2, Sue Anson brings pale turquoise and peach above undulating bands of deep green, rust and brown. Below, rounded organic shapes outlined in coral and blue create a lively foreground, suggesting the shifting contours and layers of the natural world.
Part of her Shape Shifter series, this mixed media painting explores the shapes, forms, layers and textures that make up our landscape. Its spacious sky balances the rhythmic detail below, bringing together stillness and movement.
Its vertical format would bring warmth and colour to an entranceway, living room or reading space, complementing natural timber, leather and neutral interiors.
Flowing · Earthy · Expressive
Mixed media · 61 cm wide × 91.5 cm high × 3.5 cm deep
UNFRAMED · The dark brown border is painted as part of the artwork.
Some room images show Shape Shifter 2 alongside another work by Sue Anson from the series. Each artwork is sold individually.
Sue Anson
Rust red, cream and charcoal create a bold interplay of pattern, warmth and balance.
In Tapa Series 7, Sue Anson arranges repeating triangles and curved, leaf-like motifs within a square composition. Fine striped details contrast with solid areas of colour, while a broad charcoal border anchors the rhythmic pattern.
Part of her Tapa Series, this acrylic painting offers Sue’s personal, contemporary interpretation of traditional tapa cloth design. The work draws on its rich, earthy palette and strong geometric lines, bringing together angular forms and softer curves.
Its warm colours and graphic presence would make a striking focal point in an entranceway, dining room or above a sideboard, complementing timber furniture, natural textures and neutral walls.
Earthy · Bold · Rhythmic
Acrylic painting · 61 cm wide × 61 cm high · 2026
Sue Anson
Warm ochre, golden tones and repeating geometric forms bring rhythm and balance to this acrylic painting.
In Tapa Series 6, Sue Anson combines alternating triangles with curved, leaf-like shapes in a carefully ordered pattern. Fine lines add detail within the curved motifs, while a broad burnt-orange border gives the composition a strong, warm presence.
Part of her Tapa Series, the work offers Sue’s personal, contemporary interpretation of traditional tapa cloth design. She draws inspiration from its rich, earthy palette and strong geometric lines, exploring these through paint and repeating forms.
This square painting would bring warmth and a bold focal point to an entranceway, living room or wall above a console, pairing naturally with timber, textured fabrics and neutral interiors.
Warm · Rhythmic · Balanced
Acrylic painting · 61 cm wide × 61 cm high · 2026
Sue Anson
Winding blue water, pale sand and layered greens capture the quiet beauty of a Northland harbour.
In Pārengarenga Harbour, three adjoining panels create a sweeping coastal landscape. Olive and deep green foregrounds lead towards sandy channels, turquoise water and distant hills beneath a softly clouded sky.
Drawing on more than 40 years of living in Northland, the artist finds inspiration in the surrounding natural world. Painted in acrylic, this work combines soft textures and light with clear, flowing shapes to celebrate the harbour’s distinctive landscape.
Its broad composition would bring colour and a sense of calm to a living room, dining space or wall above a sideboard. The three panels are braced together, presenting the landscape as one continuous view.
Coastal · Calm · Expansive
Acrylic painting · 2024 · Triptych, three panels braced together · 114 cm wide × 76 cm high overall · Each panel 38 cm wide × 76 cm high
found
in the rooms
finds
Sue Anson
Warm rust and cream meet in a rhythmic arrangement of geometric forms.
In Tapa Series 10, Sue Anson balances two angular pinwheel patterns around a central four-petal motif. Fine striped details and dark outlines define the curved shapes, while a broad rust-brown painted border gives the composition a warm, grounded presence.
Part of her Tapa Series, this acrylic painting offers Sue’s personal, contemporary interpretation of traditional tapa cloth design. Drawing on its rich, earthy palette and strong geometric lines, she explores repetition and the interplay between sharp angles and gentle curves.
Its compact horizontal proportions would bring warmth and pattern to an entranceway, living room or wall above a small console. Display it individually or alongside other paintings from the series.
Earthy · Rhythmic · Balanced
Acrylic painting · 61 cm wide × 30 cm high · 2026
Sold individually
Sue Anson
Soft blue and golden ochre bring a fresh contrast to this balanced geometric painting.
In Tapa Series 8, Sue Anson places a curved, four-petal motif between two angular pinwheel patterns. Dark outlines and fine striped details define the forms, while a broad ochre border surrounds the pale blue and yellow composition.
Part of her Tapa Series, this acrylic work offers Sue’s personal, contemporary interpretation of traditional tapa cloth design. Strong geometric lines and an earthy yellow palette meet cooler blue tones, creating a gentle rhythm through symmetry and repetition.
Its compact horizontal proportions would suit an entranceway, bedroom or wall above a small desk, complementing timber, ceramics and neutral interiors. Display it individually or alongside other works from the series.
Warm · Fresh · Balanced
Acrylic painting · 61 cm wide × 30 cm high · 2026
Sold individually
Sue Anson
Golden yellow and warm orange bring a sunny warmth to this geometric acrylic painting.
In Tapa Series 5, Sue Anson places a curved, four-petal motif between two angular pinwheel patterns. Fine orange lines detail the central curves, while alternating yellow and white triangles create contrast within a broad burnt-orange border.
Part of her Tapa Series, this work offers Sue’s personal, contemporary interpretation of traditional tapa cloth design. Its warm palette and strong geometric lines bring together symmetry, repetition and the balance of curved and angular forms.
Its compact horizontal proportions would brighten an entranceway, dining space or wall above a small console. Displayed individually or alongside other paintings from the series, it brings colour and pattern to the room.
Warm · Bright · Balanced
Acrylic painting · 61 cm wide × 30 cm high · 2026
Sold individually
Sue Anson
Warm terracotta and cream bring a rich, earthy character to this balanced geometric painting.
In Tapa Series 4, Sue Anson places a curved, four-petal motif between two angular pinwheel patterns. Dark outlines and fine striped details define the shapes, while a broad terracotta border carries the warmth of the central pattern across the painting.
Part of her Tapa Series, this acrylic work offers Sue’s personal, contemporary interpretation of traditional tapa cloth design. Its earthy palette and strong geometric lines explore the relationship between symmetry, repetition and flowing curves.
Its compact horizontal proportions would bring warmth to an entranceway, reading corner or wall above a small console. It works as an individual accent or alongside other paintings from the series.
Warm · Earthy · Balanced
Acrylic painting · 61 cm wide × 30 cm high · 2026
Sold individually
Sue Anson
Rust and cream geometric forms create a balanced pattern within a broad charcoal border.
In Tapa Series 3, Sue Anson places a curved, four-petal motif between two angular pinwheel patterns. Fine striped details bring delicacy to the central form, contrasting with the solid triangles on either side.
Part of her Tapa Series, this acrylic painting offers Sue’s personal, contemporary interpretation of traditional tapa cloth design. Its earthy palette and strong geometric lines bring together symmetry, contrast and rhythm.
Its compact horizontal proportions would suit an entranceway, reading corner or wall above a small console. Displayed alone or alongside other works from the series, it brings warmth and pattern to an interior.
Earthy · Graphic · Balanced
Acrylic painting · 61 cm wide × 30 cm high · 2026
Sold individually
Sue Anson
Earthy rust and cream patterns bring warmth and rhythm to this long, horizontal painting.
In Tapa Series 2, Sue Anson arranges alternating pinwheel shapes and curved, four-petal motifs across a charcoal background. Fine striped details within the curved forms add interest, while the broad dark border gives the pattern space to stand out.
Part of her Tapa Series, this acrylic painting offers Sue’s personal, contemporary interpretation of traditional tapa cloth design. Its earthy colour palette and strong geometric lines explore the balance between repetition, angular shapes and flowing curves.
Its long, narrow proportions would bring a distinctive accent to a dining room, bedroom or wall above a console, pairing naturally with timber furniture, ceramics and soft neutral tones.
Earthy · Balanced · Rhythmic
Acrylic painting · 91.5 cm wide × 30.5 cm high · 2026
Sue Anson
Repeating cream and earthy brown motifs create a striking rhythm against a deep black background.
In Tapa Series 1, Sue Anson alternates angular pinwheel patterns with softer, four-petal forms. Five square motifs run down the tall, narrow composition, their balanced shapes standing clearly against the dark surrounding space.
Part of her Tapa Series, this acrylic painting offers Sue’s personal, contemporary interpretation of traditional tapa cloth design. Drawing on its rich, earthy palette and strong geometric lines, she brings together repetition, contrast and symmetry.
Its slender proportions would make a distinctive focal point in an entranceway, stairwell or narrow wall between doorways, complementing timber, natural textures and warm neutral interiors.
Earthy · Rhythmic · Graphic
Acrylic painting · 30.5 cm wide × 120 cm high × 3.5 cm deep · 2026
Sue Anson
Pale clouds and reflected light break through charcoal tones in this atmospheric seascape.
In Charcoal Skies, Sue Anson captures a night sky above the ocean, with luminous cloud bands echoed in the water below. Dark bird silhouettes cross the sky, adding a sense of movement to the expansive scene.
Working in mixed media with a glossy finish, Sue explores the mood of sea and sky through a monochromatic palette. Layers of grey, black and soft white create depth, balancing the dramatic clouds with the calm of the horizon.
This painting would bring atmosphere and quiet contrast to a living room, bedroom or wall above a console, complementing neutral interiors, natural textures and dark accents.
Moody · Coastal · Reflective
Mixed media painting with a glossy finish · 61 cm wide × 46 cm high · 2024
NZ$495
UNFRAMED CANVAS
Sue Anson
Vivid red blooms and slender green stems stand against a richly textured cream background.
In Heliconia 3, Sue Anson captures the plant’s distinctive sculptural form through sweeping red shapes and upright green stems. Soft mauve shadows add depth, while the textured background contrasts with the smooth, defined botanical forms.
Drawing inspiration from the heliconia’s vivid colours, structured form and elegant simplicity, Sue gives the plant room to stand on its own. The uncluttered composition highlights the curves and pointed tips of each red bract.
This painting would bring a lively botanical accent to an entranceway, bedroom or wall above a small console, pairing beautifully with natural timber, greenery and neutral interiors.
Vivid · Botanical · Textural
Acrylic painting · 39.5 cm wide × 49.5 cm high × 1.5 cm deep · 2023
NZ$450
Sue Anson
A textured turquoise sky fades into warm peach above rolling hills and bold, flowing earth forms.
In Shape Shifter 6, Sue Anson brings together undulating bands of deep green, brown and rust. Below, rounded shapes of orange, ochre and coral curve through pale blue outlines, creating a lively contrast with the spacious sky.
Part of her Shape Shifter series, this mixed media painting explores the shapes, forms, layers and textures that make up our landscape. Raised creases across the sky catch the light, adding tactile detail above the crisp contours of the foreground.
Its vertical format would bring warmth and colour to an entranceway, living room or reading space, complementing natural timber, plants and softly textured furnishings.
Textural · Earthy · Flowing
Mixed media · 61 cm wide × 91.5 cm high × 2 cm deep
UNFRAMED · Room images show suggested placements.