Portraits & Commissions

2012 — current

As an artist, commissions are an extremely important way of making art a sustainable practice. The greatest artists who ever lives all did commissions constantly whether it be from companies, organisations such as religions etc, or private commissions from individuals.

Commissions also offer something a little different in terms of a gift, and greatly enhance the sentimental value of the gesture, as painting commission of a loved one, a pet, family member of item of interest represents something that can’t often be brought- time.

Please get in touch if you are interested in a commission. All works on this website can be reproduced as a commission piece if desired.

Contact the artist

Jett and the Tirpitz

2025 Oil on Canvas 450mm x 600mm

Jett and the Tirpitz

Adam Portrait Award Finalist 2026

This painting depicts my son building his first plastic model of the World War two Battleship Tirpitz.
In the fleeting moments during childhood, it is easy to let spontaneous glimpses of learning pass you by. I chose this subject for the painting because it represents the learning of new skills, new techniques and themes and creating an interest in hobbies and history.
I wanted to capture a pivotal point in time which shows Jett in a moment of focus and making the most of the moment, while still giving an impression of playfulness that comes through learning as a child.

Receiving his training in visual arts at AUT, prior to Studio Escalier in France, Nyle Major gravitated towards a classical style of painting. His work primarily focuses on figure and still life painting. Nature has been the inspiration to drive and develop his practice.
Nyle has enjoyed the challenge of working with techniques and subjects drawn from Classicism and the Reanaissance.

Untitled

2023 Oil on wood panel 350mm x 500mm

Custom frame, with wooden wings protruding from the frame.

Alan Major

2022 Oil on Canvas 450mm x 600mm

Blair Major

2022 Oil on Canvas 450mm x 600mm

Hughmorous Majorious

2022 Oil on Canvas 600mm x 1200mm

Adam portrait award finalist 2022

https://www.nzportraitgallery.org.nz/adam-portraiture-award/2022-finalists

The subject for this painting is my uncle, Hugh Major. He is a huge source of inspiration and a mentor on my artistic journey.
He’s an accomplished author and surrealism-inspired artist, and the desire to include these aspects of him in this painting were quite compelling, but I felt that not showing these interests in his life revealed more of him as a person to the viewer.
The painting represents his interests, life and personality.