Payne works primarily in acrylic on canvas, and extends his practice to include striking limited edition screen prints and giclee prints. His technique creates immersive compositions that invite the viewer to step directly into the landscapes he portrays. The large-scale of his works command attention, with each meticulously rendered detail contributing to an overarching sense of reality that is at once familiar and astonishing. Payne’s seascapes, with their glistening waters and pristine sands, feel almost tactile, as if the viewer could feel the soft touch of the waves or the cool breeze on their skin. Yet, rather than a mere reflection of nature, Payne’s art transcends the visual to evoke an emotional resonance, a sense of time and place that feels intimate and deeply connected to the viewer’s own experiences.
Completing his studies at Whitecliffe School of Art and Design in 2004, Payne’s ability to distil the complexities of the natural world into his artworks has garnered him a dedicated following with works held in private collections across New Zealand and around the globe.

Through his paintings, Payne invites us to pause and consider the finer details of the natural world, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us.

Parnell Gallery has represented Matt Payne since 2012.