"Focus"

Gallery

Watercolour and gouache on Fabriano board ~Framed size 77cm x 67cm

~Limited Edition Prints Available~

"Talent Prize Award" ~ 2023 7th "Animal" International Juried Art Contest. Los Angeles

Teravarna Art Gallery

Original framed Artwork from $600.00 Archival prints from $85.00

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"Focus"

Consider the tracers and feathers gracefully adorning the wingtips, resembling a delicate shawl gently enveloping the pointed plumage of the short-eared owl. It's mottled brown plumage and speckled torso, coupled with robust dark wing tips and a layer of earthy ochre hues cascading over a refined exterior, bestow upon this magnificent raptor the allure of a stunning flame-coloured creature.

She embodies femininity, an ethereal avian of delicate grace, slightly surpassing the male in size, adorned with a cinnamon-coloured underbelly and intricately streaked upper neck. Agile in flight, she possesses both nimbleness and formidable prowess. Though softer than a gentle breeze in her demeanour, she unleashes her full might when striking, soaring at speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour to secure her prey. Occasionally, she finds herself carried involuntarily by the force of a strong wind, effortlessly gliding with grace, while at times exhibiting a fluttering elegance akin to a butterfly.

While the Short eared owl is considered a medium-sized owl, they usually only weigh about the same as a small block of Cadbury chocolate.

These are diurnal birds feeding mostly at dawn and dusk during winter. Common residents of northern states such as Oregon, Washington, Idaho, North Dakota and Montana, hunters in the north during breeding season primarily in Canada.

Otherwise known as "grass owls" they have superb tubular fixed eyes surrounded by the appearance of heavy black mascara. They make up for the absence of eye movement by having twice as many neck vertebrae as we do for superior head-turning capabilities.

~Photo credit Wesley Allen Shaw~

"Surveillant Poise"

Polychromos pastel drawing on Canson art paper ~Framed size 68cm x 55cm

"Talent Prize Award" ~ 2023 6th "Animal" International Juried Art Competition. Los Angeles

~Limited Edition Prints Available~

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"Bald Eagle"

Perched majestically on a branch of a Quaking Aspen Tree, a magnificent Bald Eagle surveys the frigid, snow-covered Vancouver Valley in search of a suitable mate.

Like her fellow birds of prey, she approaches the task of selecting a life partner with the utmost deliberation, aware that this decision will shape the course of their shared journey. Her commitment to ensuring the success of future generations demands a partner of strength and resilience.

She meticulously evaluates potential contenders, considering their prowess in combat and hunting, alongside their pleasing appearance and above-average stature. The bar is set high; she seeks a companion who embodies a rare combination of skill and physical appeal.

Watercolor on Fabriano 300gsm ~Framed size 85cm x 110cm

~Limited Edition Prints Available~

"Siesta"

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Philip Island Koala

On a sunlit morning, a young female Koala was discovered in a state of utmost comfort, nestled among a V-shaped intersection of branches. While she is basking in the sun's warm embrace, her limbs comfortably intertwine within the leafy canopy of a eucalyptus tree.

With a keen sense of smell, she diligently sniffs out the branches containing the most aromatic leaves, indulging in a portion of her morning meal before surrendering to a deep slumber. She lovingly clings to her favourite leaves, ensuring they remain within her grasp, unwilling to part with their company.

Southern Koalas display a distinct variation in their fur, boasting a thicker and richer brown hue compared to their smaller, more silver-toned northern counterparts.

~Photo credit Mark Helle~

"Nesting Ground"

Acrylic painting on board ~Framed size 82cm x 108cm

~Limited Edition Prints Available~

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Eagles of Minnesota

In 1998, I embarked on my most intricate bird illustration project yet, dedicating five consecutive days to its completion. The awe-inspiring eagle-filled mountains of Minnesota, located in the fertile upper Midwest of the United States, served as my inspiration. Encapsulating the majesty of the Bald Eagle, my artwork was submitted to the renowned "Queensland Newspapers Ken Cowley art show" in Brisbane.

With thousands of competing entries, my painting garnered significant recognition at the exhibition. It received a "highly commended" status in the wildlife category, a testament to the effort and attention to detail I poured into this particular endeavour.

The historical plight of the Bald Eagle cannot be overlooked. Factors such as habitat loss, the use of DDT insecticides, and both legal and illegal shooting had devastating consequences. By the mid-1950s, the country's population of nesting pairs had dwindled to a mere 412, a stark decline from the once thriving population of over half a million.

Fortunately, the implementation of the "Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act" played a pivotal role in the species' conservation and recovery. Today, Minnesota proudly boasts the highest number of breeding pairs of Bald Eagles among the lower 48 states, a testament to the success of conservation efforts and the significance of protective legislation.

While not the largest of the sea eagles, the Bald Eagle possesses a regal allure that makes it a truly captivating creature. Its distinctive features and symbolism make it a fitting subject for my painstaking brushstrokes, resulting in a work of art that pays homage to its magnificence.

Through my painting, I aimed to capture the essence of the Bald Eagle and shed light on the importance of wildlife conservation. I was grateful for the opportunity to showcase my art at the esteemed art show, and I hope that my piece serves as a reminder of the beauty and resilience of these remarkable birds.

"An Imperial Position"

Watercolor on Fabriano 300gsm Framed size 82cm x 110cm

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"Honorable Mention Award" ~ 2023 ~5th "Into the wild art exhibition" ~Fusion Art~ Santa Fe NM

~Limited Edition Prints Available~

Spanish imperial Eagle

Using watercolours, I meticulously painted this life-sized representation of a magnificent subadult Imperial Eagle, aiming to capture its vibrant colours and the play of light upon its plumage. The same attention to detail and character was applied to the timber stump on which the eagle perched, creating a harmonious composition.

Native to the skies of southwest Spain, Portugal, and occasionally Morocco, the Imperial Eagle, true to its name, commands attention with its impressive presence. Similar to its Australian counterpart, the Wedge-tailed Eagle, this majestic bird has adapted to a reliable diet consisting primarily of rabbits.

Belonging to the Aquila genus and closely related to the larger Wedge-Tailed Eagle, this raptor boasts an impressive wingspan of 6 feet 11 inches and can weigh up to 10 pounds. While often mistaken for a Golden Eagle from a distance, the Imperial Eagle exhibits a darker plumage, accentuated by beautiful streaks of white on its shoulders and outer wings.

Through my painting, I aimed to not only showcase the Imperial Eagle's striking appearance but also to convey its unique characteristics and habitat. The combination of vibrant colours, contrasting light, and intricate details allowed me to capture the essence of this remarkable bird, preserving its beauty for all to appreciate.

"Wedgetail"

Acrylic painting on board ~Framed size 54cm x 64cm

~Limited Edition Prints Available~

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Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle

It was in the summer of 1986, while traversing the desert expanse between Coober Pedy and Alice Springs, that I experienced my first profound encounter with a remarkable creature: the Wedge-Tailed Eagle. This encounter sparked within me an adoration and deep respect for these majestic birds.

As I drove along the Stuart Highway, a sense of awe washed over me when a curious Wedge-Tailed Eagle gracefully descended in parallel with my passenger side window. With astonishing speed, we remained in perfect synchrony, pacing through the swirling red dust at approximately 90 kilometres per hour. For a fleeting moment, our gazes met, and time seemed to suspend as we locked eyes. The eagle's captivating beauty left an indelible impression upon me, and I savoured every detail before he gracefully unfurled his enormous wings and soared skyward once again, ascending towards the scorching midday sun.

This encounter with the Wedge-Tailed Eagle marked the beginning of a profound connection and appreciation I developed for these extraordinary creatures. It was a moment of connection with the natural world which was forever imprinted upon my soul, reminding me of the awe-inspiring wonders that exist beyond the confines of our human existence.

The wedge-tailed eagle is one of the world's most powerful avian predators, it has a maximum reported wingspan of 2.84 m (9 ft 4 in) and a standing height of up to 1.06 m (3 ft 6 in). Thanks to the introduction of the Rabbit to our continent, its numbers today are stronger than they were before the arrival of the first fleet.

"Spring Frost"

Acrylic painting on board Framed size 77cm x 57cm

Reproduction by

Martin J Day 1993

~Limited Edition Prints Available~

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"Spring Frost"

This painting "Spring Frost" was inspired by the Australian artist Elioth Gruner and his original masterwork, the winner of the Wynne Prize in 1919.

Using stippled brush strokes, this impressionistic painting skillfully portrays a serene scene of a small herd of dairy cows during the early morning. The artist has masterfully captured the interplay of light and colour, resulting in a composition that evokes a sense of tranquillity and harmony. The careful application of brushwork creates a magnificent sense of perspective and depth, drawing the viewer into the idyllic country setting.

Artists Statement