Bringing the wild to life

Hey everyone, my sincere apologies for the lack of updates here over the past couple of months. Life has been hectic. Life has been good. Classes are booming and my students are doing brilliantly every session these days. As they are improving it is also forcing me to improve which can only be a good thing.

Social media has finally got me going with my Facebook page getting updates after every class. If you’re interested in joining the fun make sure you have a look at the amazing work the current crew are doing. I’m also in the process of organizing an art sale near the end of the year featuring the artists from my studio. If you’re looking for a special Christmas present then I think you’ll have a good chance of finding it there! More info on that shortly.

Now onto what has been happening at my easel. After a very long time doing big game and coastal scenes I’ve shifted gears and moved onto our feathered friends. It’s funny what teaching Wendy Olsen can do to a person. For those who don’t know Wendy’s work I promise it’s worth having a look at. In my opinion she is possibly the best up and coming bird artist in Victoria. Watching her rise through the ranks prompted me to have a good think and dive into new territory as I start to tackle Australian birds in pastel. I’m still just getting started but I’m thoroughly enjoying myself with them. Here are some of the recent works….

A quiet life - pastel on Rustygrit $649.00 AUD plus shipping

This piece really started things going in the current direction. It had been ages since I’d done an Australian animals and one of my students asked me to demonstrate my technique for creating a glowing background. I had an old reference photo nearby and just got started. Before we all knew it this work was born. I had so much fun with the textures in the fur, especially working with my handmade colours.

Kookaburra in the bush - Pastel on Rustygrit $599.00 AUD plus shipping

Shortly after in another class I began working on this. We only had a small group that night and everyone was sorted so I thought I’d have a play as well. By the end of the session things were shaping up and in the following class I put in the finishing touches including that amazing branch! I’m so pleased with how well the textures read on it. From here it has just been a natural progression through.

Corella - pastel on Rustygrit - SOLD

This was a small study on one of my plein air boards. Within 24 hours of completing it I had sold it!

Cockatoo in a chestnut tree - pastel on Rustygrit $649.00 AUD plus shipping

Flight - pastel on Colourfix $899.00 AUD plus shipping

This was a fun piece to do! The original reference came from the Bird show at Australia’s Zoo and I just knew I had to do it. I chose to put the cocky into a dusk sky and accentuate the movement which made it a great challenge and heaps of fun to work on.

Rosella sunrise - pastel on Colourfix $160.00 AUD plus shipping

This little one was another small study

Ark! - Pastel on Rustygrit $320 AUD plus shipping

I had one of these as a pet when I was a kid and I miss him dearly. I’ve called it Ark! because he always made that sound so we  named him Noah. I thought it was time for him to return to the trees.

Rainbow lorikeet - pastel on Colourfix $479.00 AUD plus shipping

I’d love to hear what people think of these new works, especially those who have been following my art for a while. Let me know your thoughts.

Before I go just a quick note to budding artists in the Warragul area. I’ll soon be teaching open class and pastel masterclass that way on Wednesdays. If you’re interested send me a message and I’ll let you know when we are ready to kick things off.

New updates soon (I hope!)