Blurry Lights: Bokeh paintings & prints
Freedom. Surrender. Softness.
New Zealand artist Mel McKenzie paints a blurry, bokeh-ful way of (un)seeing.
Hang The Penny Drops' award-winning oil paintings & fine art prints on your walls:
Watch the light grow as you soften your gaze.
Fine art by New Zealand artist: The Penny Drops
Landscape Art
Influenced by her Southern-locale, expansive skies and magical light feature strongly in...
Portrait Art
‘The eyes are the window to the soul’... and every portrait I...
The Print Shop
The Penny Drops' excusive range of fine art prints. Surrender your focus...
"When life gives you overwhelm, The Penny Drops gives you bokeh"
'Bokeh' brings you the art of softening - of setting down the details and bathing in beauty.
These paintings help you embrace a bit of bokeh amongst your busy.
x Mel
NEW - The Great Southern 'Roadtrip' Collection
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Te Anau Twilight - Bokeh oil painting on round canvas
Regular price $950.00 NZDRegular priceUnit price per -
Invercargill's Night Show - Bokeh oil painting on round canvas
Regular price $950.00 NZDRegular priceUnit price per -
Wanaka Dusk - Bokeh oil painting on round canvas
Regular price $950.00 NZDRegular priceUnit price per
"Gosh - I just really love your work!"
"I love how you can get lost in it when visualising the referenced place, but also sit very happily with it in complete calm not being tied to the specific location."
Jade - Australia
Komorebi Art
Imagine a quiet moment where the light filters softly through trees, bathing everything in a gentle, golden haze.
Welcome to Komorebi - a beautiful Japanese term for sunlight leaking through leaves. It's this calming beauty I often seek in my paintings - resulting in invitations to slow down and let the world soften around you.
The Bokeh Blog
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2024 Southland Art Trail - AND Studio opening
The 2024 Southland Art Trail coincides with the 'official' opening of The Penny Drops' new Art Studio. You're invited to come and cut the red ribbon, drink some tea, browse some...
2024 Southland Art Trail - AND Studio opening
The 2024 Southland Art Trail coincides with the 'official' opening of The Penny Drops' new Art Studio. You're invited to come and cut the red ribbon, drink some tea, browse some...
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The Penny Drops is getting a new Studio!
In October 2022 Mel decided she needed a new studio. Recap the twists and turns of this journey from setting her sights on an old school building that's coming on...
The Penny Drops is getting a new Studio!
In October 2022 Mel decided she needed a new studio. Recap the twists and turns of this journey from setting her sights on an old school building that's coming on...
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The Softly Exhibition is on
Gallery De Novo in Dunedin is hosting my first solo show through until 4 July 2024. 'Softly' is a soft, blurry wander through Dunedin - from the Botanical Gardens to the Harbour...
The Softly Exhibition is on
Gallery De Novo in Dunedin is hosting my first solo show through until 4 July 2024. 'Softly' is a soft, blurry wander through Dunedin - from the Botanical Gardens to the Harbour...
Show them you care
Thoughtfully curated gift boxes - choose a beautiful set of prints, the ingredients for some restorative timeout and more...
Gift Cards
For when you're not 100% sure which piece of art they want - or want to make a contribution towards a larger piece... now you can give a The Penny Drops Gift Card!
"But most of all, the painting made me happy"
Have we met yet?
Perhaps at an exhibition, on a visit to my studio or we've 'chatted' on Instagram?
If not, Hi! I'm Mel McKenzie. I share your passion for making your home as beautiful & unique as you, filled with light & interest - these distinctive bokeh paintings are the 'how'.
Bring the outside in
Baskets for plants, flowers, harvesting, foraging, guest bathrooms, craft supplies, hampers, gifting, baking and more... delicious textures & all the soothing tones of nature.
The Penny Drops' rustic coiled rope baskets feature wild-sourced handles, warm tones and chunky cotton rope.