Joe McMenamin is a painter and printmaker based in a studio in the centre of Feilding, at 51a Fergusson Street. The website says his flowing, organic patterns have won him a following throughout New Zealand. His best-known subject is New Zealand native birds, painted in photorealistic detail directly onto plywood, with frames made by hand and often finished with Danish oil so the wood grain shows. He also makes line drawings, ink and dye work and prints. Larger murals by the artist can be found around Feilding. His works are sold at the NZ Art Show each year and in the online shop, and commissions are welcome.
The artist was a secondary school art teacher for 14 years before becoming a full-time artist in 2017, and holds a bachelor of media arts. Reviewers say the native bird paintings brightened a local school, and mention the line drawings in natural wooden frames and the birds on plywood. One buyer says they treasure the piece they own and plan to buy more. Others praise the colours and the skill. Our pick in Feilding for a native bird painting on plywood with the wood grain showing through.