Just Popped Up, 2024

80cm (W) x 80cm (H)

Mixed media on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.

Signed on the back.

Flooded Gum frame by Southern Buoy.

This male Variegated Fairy-wren is in its full breeding plumage with its brightly coloured chestnut shoulders and azure crown and ear coverts. This is a species that occurs across much of eastern Australia and is a favourite amoung bird watchers.

This mixed media piece was created by building up layers of materials. The work starts with backgroound layers of acrylic paint or goauche in various opacities, and texture is also added through drawing with coloured pencils. Finally the details of the bird are added in oil paint and oils are also worked back into the background while still leaving the freshness of the initial background.