Jocelyn Friis
Jocelyn Friis, a New Zealand-based painter, creates semi abstract land and seascapes out of her coastal home studio in rural Mangawhai. Using acrylic and encaustic mediums, she explores the seemingly contrasting themes of the resilience and vulnerability of nature, mirroring it to our human condition. Jocelyn's artistic journey has been marked by exploration and self-study. Growing up on a small holding in Cape Town, South Africa, she experienced precious freedoms, such as regularly riding her horses on the peninsula's unspoilt white beaches and spending endless hours savouring the outdoors.
Awakened by her Steiner education, she learnt to appreciate creativity in nature, which inspired her direction in art making. Immigrating to New Zealand in 1996 opened up a doorway for her to pursue her professional art career, first joining the Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa, and later Mangawhai Artists Inc. Training in the areas of eco art and process art has deepened her awareness of the connections between our wellbeing, creativity and nature.
Jocelyn is a triple award-winning artist (1st place Other Media - Kaipara Art Awards 2024, 2nd Place - Great Summer Art Exhibition, Snell's Beach 2024/5) and is a recipient of a development fund grant from Creative NZ. She has been shortlisted for several juried art awards in New Zealand, including the National Tasman Art Awards, the Cleveland National Art Awards and the Estuary Art and Ecology Awards. She is an alumni of Nicholas Wilton’s Creative Visionary Programme and a qualified facilitator for Art & Creativity for Healing Inc. workshops.
Jocelyn exhibits widely in New Zealand, some of which include the Auckland Art Show and the NZ Academy of Fine Arts juried exhibitions. She is a member of the international ArtCan organisation based in the UK, through whom she is currently exhibiting with in London.
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Acrylic on canvas
76cm x 101cm
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The force of nature is evident in this painting. Sometimes we need to be set free, to let loose and watch the breakthroughs or healing come. Big emotions go hand in hand with big life changes and big decisions. This painting is for those ready to embrace life with abandon!
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Encaustic on board
20cm x 25cm
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This encaustic work titled 'Golden Thread' is built with layer upon layer of hot beeswax, combined with natural Damar tree resin for hardening. I have added touches of shellac which is burnt into the wax to create visually stunning patterns and depth. The free flowing tones and colours add interest and excitement – an original piece sure to start conversations!
Natural and sustainable, encaustic paintings are easy care with no sealant necessary (repels dust!).
Wood panel, framed and ready to hang.
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Acrylic on canvas
22cm x 29cm
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Be it the weather or everyday life, the main thing is to go with the flow. Accept changes with an open heart, they usually lead to exciting possibilities.
This artwork is painted on unstretched canvas, ready for you to stretch onto bars, or frame behind glass.
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Acrylic on paper
32cm x 24cm
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'The Way I Know' refers to those familiar routes, often taken by foot, that create a sense of comfort. Whilst our paths often take a new unexpected turn, sometimes the familiar path is at times exactly what we need.
This work is painted on archival Hahnemühle 330gsm paper with a linen texture, signed on the back and unframed.
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Acrylic on canvas
29cm x 22.5cm
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Walking towards the unknown requires bravery and trust. Letting go of control can be daunting, but the rewards are often found in unexpected blessings. This original acrylic artwork is painted on unstretched canvas, ready for you to stretch onto bars, or frame behind glass.
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Acrylic on paper
32cm x 24cm
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This artwork is painted on archival Hahnemühle 330gsm paper with a linen texture, signed on the back and unframed.
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Acrylic on canvas
61cm x 61cm
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Sometimes we need a little comfort in this life of uncertainty and stress. Both to give and ask for support are necessities and this painting is a reminder that it’s ok to lean on others, whilst, at other times, to be the one holding a hand can be life changing. Be the love in the world you'd like to see.
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Acrylic on canvas
20cm x 40cm
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This piece hints at the simplicity of an open landscape, of big skies, giving the feeling of spaciousness. It encourages one to pause and breathe deep. I hope the calmness of this artwork brings a feeling of peace.
Painted with professional quality acrylic paint on stretched canvas, framed and ready to hang.
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Acrylic on canvas
25cm x 25cm
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Isn't it fascinating how landscapes, or various scenes or settings, can remind us of distant memories of the past. As I painted this, old and fond memories came back to me, as if I was revisiting a landscape of my past. Let your imagination take you places with this original one-of-a-kind piece.
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Acrylic on board
30cm x 40cm
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Soaking in my natural surroundings where I live in Northland, my abstract landscapes emerge from my feelings of gratitude to the land I live in and my freedom to create.
This piece speaks to the bliss of a warm summer's day, the contentment and wellbeing that a ‘perfect’ day can bring. I have used fresh bright colours to convey a feeling of lightness, shedding the weight of the world that lays on my shoulders during the colder winter months.
The spontaneity of the brush strokes emphasise a refreshing summer breeze, bringing a weightless freedom and carefree quality to this work.
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Acrylic on paper
32cm x 24cm
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'Passing Through' evokes hints at the transient nature of life. We are never static, but always moving through and on to new things, new ways of thinking, changing as the years go by.
This work is painted on archival Hahnemühle 330gsm paper with a linen texture, signed on the back and unframed.
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Acrylic on canvas
76cm x 76cm
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This painting is an expression of my surroundings. Living in Mangawhai, NZ, we have a beautiful estuary with unique sand dunes, alongside the ocean beach. It is my intuitive take on this beautiful corner of the world. I had not planned to paint this, it seemed to come to life on its own!
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Acrylic on board
46cm x 67cm x 2.5cm
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Spaciousness in the midst of a busy life. Let the lure of distant horizons take you to quiet and restful places.
Painted with professional quality acrylics and sealer.
Framed and ready to hang.
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Acrylic on canvas
91cm x 152cm
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'Stepping into Tomorrow' is a meditation on courage and trust in the face of the unknown.
Set within a stormy landscape and expansive sky, the painting reflects those moments when we stand at the edge of uncertainty, unsure of what lies ahead. Like the painting process itself, the journey unfolds without guarantees - requiring faith, resilience and a willingness to step forward anyway. Though the skies may darken, the storm is never permanent. This work holds space for hope, reminding us that even through turbulence, light, clarity and possibility await on the horizon.
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Encaustic on board
28cm x 36cm
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Delicate layers of encaustic (hot beeswax) applications create an underwater feel in this luminous artwork. The free flowing watery colours give a fresh and airy feeling as they drift around the surface of the piece. The addition of white tinted shellac creates a subtle lacy appearance, adding to the intricate beauty and depth that is so characteristic of encaustic paintings. The cool tones and detail add interest and excitement – a unique original and sustainably natural art piece!
Encaustic paintings are easy care with no sealant necessary. They even repel dust!
Framed and ready to hang.
Purchasing from Jocelyn Friis:
I offer free shipping within New Zealand. Shipping across to Australia costs NZ$10 - NZ$85, depending on the artwork’s weight/size. Shipping outside of NZ/AUD is typically charged between NZ$15-NZ$160.
My works ship via NZ Courier Post and are usually sent within 5 working days after their sale.
If you are interested in having an artwork framed this can be arranged. For more information, contact me directly at, jocelynfriisart@gmail.com
Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase. Artworks must be returned at the purchaser’s cost, in original packaging and in undamaged condition. If an artwork arrives damaged, please email me at, jocelynfriisart@gmail.com within 3 days of receipt, with clear photographs, so a refund or replacement can be arranged.