Stones in a Blue Bottle | Print | by Michael Smither

"When using small pebbles to clean the inside of a blue glass bottle, by swirling them around in water, the phone rang. I put the bottle down on the window ledge. When I returned the pebbles had arranged themselves so beautifully I decided to paint them. Altogether I made nine small paintings based on this event."

Michael Smither CNZM (b. 1939) is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists, known for his striking compositions that blend rigorous realism with bold, luminous colour. Painter, printmaker and composer, Michael’s work captures the essence of New Zealand life—from intimate domestic moments to the vast, rugged landscapes of Taranaki.

Born in New Plymouth, Michael studied at Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland, where he was introduced to lacquer based paints while working in a car spray paint shop. This early exposure shaped his signature hard edged style, characterised by precise forms and vibrant hues.

Edition: Out of 71

Medium: Screen print

Dimensions: 425mm x 390mm