Matthew Payne is a self-described "water baby," a title that perfectly encapsulates his lifelong connection to the ocean. Growing up on Auckland’s North Shore, he was constantly surrounded by the tides and vast, open beaches of New Zealand’s coastline. This deep-seated love for the sea not only shaped his childhood but also became the core inspiration for his artistic career.
Beyond his passion for the water as an artist, Payne was also a high-achieving athlete. He represented New Zealand in water polo at both the World Championship and Commonwealth levels, an experience that sharpened his understanding of movement, fluidity, and the dynamic energy of water. This intimate relationship with the ocean’s power, tranquility, and unpredictability is what makes his artwork stand out—his paintings do not merely depict water; they evoke the sensation of being in it.
A graduate of Whitecliffe College of Fine Arts, Payne's artistic path became clear from his very first year of study. His strong connection to water translated into his work, forming the foundation of his artistic expression. While he draws influence from well-known New Zealand artists such as Tony Ogle and Dick Frizzell, Payne differentiates himself by his approach to landscape painting. His goal is not just to capture a fleeting moment in nature, but to transport viewers into the scene itself. He invites them to experience what he sees and feels—whether it’s the gentle lull of waves lapping at his legs, the crisp ocean breeze, or the sensation of being enveloped by water. His paintings carry a strong emotional pull, offering an almost meditative experience for those who engage with them.
Payne’s detailed brushwork and attention to light and movement make each piece feel alive, as if the water itself might ripple or the sky might shift before the viewer’s eyes. Engaging with his work is an invitation to step into the water with him, to feel the rhythm of the waves, and to see the ocean through the eyes of an artist who has spent a lifetime immersed in its beauty.