Commissions
These are my original polymer clay art commissions, created for my wonderful clients! If you are interested in owning or gifting a unique Danny Rae Design art piece please contact me for further details
Our Bumblebee
“Our Bumblebee” was created for a wonderful couple who wanted something special to signify someone they’d lost, and also that while life doesn’t always go according to plan A, plan B is going to be beautiful too.
I hope this art piece that was carefully and lovingly crafted brings joy and a sense of peace as a heartfelt representation of their loved one and their life going forward
This piece is located in Kapiti. Polymer Clay on round MDF approx 140 mm in diameter 50 mm thick
Eshne
Here is Eshne, a Tawny Abyssinian full of energy and mischief! She is often on an adventure, finding little critters she can chase!
This was a commission piece created to capture one of three special cats. For Eshne we decided to use a reference photo of her crouching to emphasize her mischievous nature and had her eyeing up a skink to give the art piece more balance. We added some lavender to tie all three gorgeous cats together. This piece is located in Otaki. MDF round 330 mm in diameter
Morepork or Ruru
My client asked for a Morepork, I showed her a couple of beautiful Morepork photos by Black Stallion Photography. She selected her favourite and I began creating! This piece is located in Wellington. MDF round 330mm in diameter.
Cardinal
Created for a wonderful artist from Houston Texas. This client has propped the Cardinal on a mini easle amoungst other gorgeous artworks all the way in America. Reference photo by Jocelyn Anderson Photography. MDF Round 100 mm in diameter.
Bellbird Pohutukawa Trio
My client gave me a Bellbird reference photo which I used to create this stunning piece! Located in Dunedin, New Zealand. MDF round 100 mm in diameter.
Kea in Flight
My client gave me a Kea reference photo which I used to create this stunning piece! Located in Auckland, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
If you are interested in a limited edition print of this original artwork click this link
Morepork or Ruru
I absolutely love the reference photo I used for this Ruru taken by Lynne Jamneck, I loved it so much it was used to inspire two of my commissions. Each commission I created using this Ruru turned out unique which is exactly why my polymer clay creations are so special. The client who requested this, wanted a Morepork and this is what I created! This piece is located in Auckland, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
kereru or Kukupa
Inspired using Fairlie Atkinson’s stunning photo as a reference, this piece was commissioned by a Client located in Dunedin New Zealand. She asked for a Kererū and this is the beautiful outcome! MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Rifleman
A little Rifleman (Tītipounamu) perched on Dianella. My client wanted to incorporate this flora and fauna as the leaves of the Dianella plant can be used to call Riflemen by sucking on a bit of the leaf, which produces a high pitched whistle. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Tui on Kowhai
My client asked for the same tūī I used for a previous artwork and though I used the same reference photo it turned out entirely unique which is what makes my polymer clay creations so special! Also I incorporated the kowhai to make it even more unique. This piece is located in Whangarei, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Tui on Kakabeak
My client commissioned this piece for her friend living in the United Kingdom and asked for a tūī and the colour red incorporated. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Harekeke Nectar
“Harekeke Nectar” is a vibrant, textured, Tui on Harekeke, Which has been sculpted using polymer clay, this contrasts boldly against the silky, smooth and rich, warm hue of the Rimu board that the sculpture has been adhered to, the striking combination allowing the sculpture to pop dramatically.
This is a collaboration piece commissioned by Nick for her partner Hannah (Hannah Shand Art). Hannah provided me with a couple of her stunning photographs and amalgamated them together to create the composition I worked off. Her partner Nick spent hours shaping, sanding and coating the Rimu wooden board to accompany the piece.
Polymer Clay on Round Rimu board 300 mm round approx 65 mm wide
Ellie
Say hi to Ellie, a Cinnamon Ticked Ocicat/Abyssinian Hybrid. She adores cuddles, food and laying in the sun in the garden bed!
This was a commission piece created to capture one of three special cats. For Ellie we decided she is most at home surrounded by her lavender plant which is located right beside her favourite catnip plant!
This piece is located in Otaki. MDF round 330 mm in diameter
Jessica
Three little Bluebirds commissioned for an amazing client. My client came to me asking for a bird to represent each of her children! First there’s Jessica, then there’s Jarod, then there’s Holly. These look awesome up on her wall in a home near Auckland, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Jarod
Three little Bluebirds commissioned for an amazing client. My client came to me asking for a bird to represent each of her children! First there’s Jessica, then there’s Jarod, then there’s Holly. These look awesome up on her wall in a home near Auckland, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Holly
Three little Bluebirds commissioned for an amazing client. My client came to me asking for a bird to represent each of her children! First there’s Jessica, then there’s Jarod, then there’s Holly. These look awesome up on her wall in a home near Auckland, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
At His Post
A very special piece created for my sis who has been wanting a Kingfisher since I started making these polymer clay art pieces! I had lots of fun creating the details for the post and wire! Located in Whangarei, New Zealand. Reference photo taken by Tawhai Moss. MDF round 330 mm in Diameter.
Kingfisher on Branch
A photographer sent me his photo and asked if I could create something using the picture, He was super happy with the outcome! MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Kingfisher on Blossom
This beautiful combination emerged after a client requested a Kingfisher sitting on a Blossom tree branch. Located in Matamata, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Kingfisher on Pohutukawa
My client was interested in a Kingfisher so I came up with a concept and sent her a rough sketch. She was happy with the sketch and loved the finished product! This piece is located near Auckland, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Nature
My client gave me a picture of her dog that had sadly passed, unfortunately she didn’t have a clear reference photo that I could zoom in on to enhance each detail but it turned out even better than I could have imagined and my client absolutely loved the artwork! MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Red Bouquet
Inspired by wedding bouquets created just before my wedding. This commission went lovingly to my Nana’s home. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Spot
This is Spot, a Tawny Spotted Ocicat who's a big softie that loves his belly scratched! He loves to play outside and especially enjoys going for walks with his lead to the playground nearby!
This was a commission piece created to capture one of three special cats. For Spot we chose to use a reference photo of him looking up to the sky, keeping his eye on a butterfly. We added some lavender to tie all three gorgeous cats together! This piece is located in Otaki. MDF round 330 mm in diameter
Fantail Pohutukawa
It was an absolute pleasure creating this piece for a special friend’s mum. The fantail was inspired using Phil Disberry Photography’s photo. This piece is located in the Bay of Plenty. MDF round 330 mm in diameter
Saddleback
My client gave me free reign to choose any native New Zealand bird on any native plant, a bright commission emerged to go alongside the Kōkako. This beautiful bird found it’s home in South Island, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Kokako
My client gave me free reign to choose any native New Zealand bird on any native plant! I decided on a Kōkako sitting on a Kowhai branch, though Kokako’s aren’t usually seen sitting on Kowhai the colours work so well together! This piece is located with the Saddleback art piece in South Island, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Waxeye Blossom Trio-One
A Waxeye Blossom Trio! My client came to me with the colour of her wall and we decided together that the green hue and pink blossom would complement her dark green wall really well! Located near Christchurch, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Waxeye Blossom Trio-Two
A Waxeye Blossom Trio! My client came to me with the colour of her wall and we decided together that the green hue and pink blossom would complement her dark green wall really well! Located near Christchurch, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Waxeye Blossom Trio-Three
A Waxeye Blossom Trio! My client came to me with the colour of her wall and we decided together that the green hue and pink blossom would complement her dark green wall really well! Located near Christchurch, New Zealand. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Waxeye Agapanthus
A business located in Whangarei, New Zealand, commissioned this piece for one of their staff. They gave me a budget to work from and this is the artwork that evolved! MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Little Blossom Two
My client requested a similar art piece to one I had created earlier and sold. Even though this wee guy was created using the same reference photo, he has his own individual characteristics. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Tanya
My Client sent me photos of her favourite Hydrangea plants which I used as reference photos to create a bouquet of hydrangeas for her! Located in Whangarei. MDF round 330 mm in diameter.
Bateleur Eagle
“The name Bateleur means “tight-rope walker” in French. This aptly describes its distinctive, erratic and unstable manner of flying; the rocking flight motion very much mimics the side-to-side movement of a tight rope walker maintaining his balance.” This piece was commissioned to bring a piece of Africa into their New Zealand home. 400 mm x 500 mm on blackwashed Plywood.
Reference photo and description from Sabi Sabi reserve
Morepork or Ruru
This piece was inspired using a photo taken by Lynne Jamneck. My client wanted a larger Morepork piece (500 mm x 400 mm on Plywood). This stunning piece is located in Kerikeri, New Zealand.
If you are interested in a limited edition print of this original artwork click this link
Moana- Little Blue Penguin
This little blue penguin was inspired by a photo taken by Auckland Zoo. Her name is Moana, brought to Auckland Zoo by North Shore Bird Rescue as she had several issues that needed attention. This beautiful piece is located in Wellington. 300 mm x 450 mm on Plywood.
If you are interested in a limited edition print of this original artwork click this link
Kiwi Looking Right
My first commission and my first larger piece! My client asked for a kiwi on a roughly 400 mm x 600 mm plywood board, as it was a bit bigger I used a larger oven that could fit the entire piece in it.
Tui
This piece was created for Deb and Joe using an incredible reference photo that was taken by Deb Stokes herself. 400 mm x 500 mm on Plywood
A Taste of Home
This Fantail/Pīwakawaka evokes a sense of being at home.
"A Taste of Home" was inspired using a reference photo taken by @morganea_photography
I have created a couple of beautiful pieces using the same reference photo because I couldn't get enough of its perfect composition! Thanks @morganea_photography. This piece will be located in Germany. 350mm x 350mm x 45mm Plywood box board with frame.
Tree House
This piece went completely outside the box! It is 400 mm x 500 mm on Plywood. My client wanted a tree house and to explore different meaningful themes within the artwork. You can see so many tiny details that make up this special piece, for example butterflies, squirrels, a Tui, telescope and so on.
Hatupatu-Karearea or New Zealand Falcon
This piece was a collaboration between Black Stallion Photography and Danny Rae Design. Kurien Yohannan from Black Stallion Photography provided the stunning Kārearea photo which I drew inspiration from to create this magnificent Kārearea. The pine forest was added to the piece to provide context and place the falcon in the habitat it is most commonly found in.
This piece has been named “Hatupatu” after the Kārearea in the reference photo. Hatupatu started his life as a chick released from Rotorua Museum in 2013 as part of the 'On the Wing' program and he successfully fathered 8 Kārearea before sadly passing away in 2021. May the memory of his brilliance live on. 400 mm x 500 mm on Plywood.
If you are interested in a limited edition print of this original artwork click this link
Kiwi Looking Left
Another client saw my first kiwi and was immediately keen for something similar, this piece is now located in Perth, Australia. 340 mm x 600 mm on Plywood.
Tui’s on Flame Tree
My client wanted something bright and colourful with two Tui’s. He loved the concept and the finished artwork. This is located in Perth, Australia. 340 mm x 600 mm on Plywood.
Tui’s on Pohutukawa
The biggest piece I have created (600 mm x 1200 mm on Plywood) and the only big piece I will create! Unfortunately it was difficult to bake and glue this piece so I will stick to smaller pieces! Such a beautiful artwork though and it looks amazing in my clients home!