This regal female red tail black cockatoo with a cheeky look was commissioned by Angie Coleman.
I wanted to bring this girl to life, she’s just so full of character. It was essential that I properly depicted her cheeky attitude, the glint in her eye and beautifully detailed plumage.
Angie has named her Gertie, and is thrilled with her new showpiece!
The request from my Daughter Emma for these flamingos has proven so popular that I have received a new commission for another piece – with more birds this time – to be called “Flamingos a Go Go”.
Emma wanted a piece to hang above her red couch in her apartment, and requested an interpretation of this exhibit from Cottesloe Beach’s annual Sculptures by the Sea exhibition.
While her taste is impeccable, I wasn’t so sure at first, but it has turned out really well and been one of my most popular pieces. It has had more positive feedback on my Facebook page (Nicky Shelton) than any other painting I have posted.
It has also resulted in a new commission for a similar piece (with more birds) to be called “Flamingos a Go Go”
Here is Emma (with Charlie) sitting on her red couch with her Flamingos. Pity about David’s photographic skills!
Just before Christmas, my good friend and one of Western Australia’s best wildlife and bird photographers, Keith Lightbody, was kind enough to drop by and give me a disc with a selection of his Major Mitchell cockatoo photos for me to use, as I had told him this was one of my intended future projects.
Keith’s photos are simply stunning and it’s so difficult to make a decision, but this pair squabbling is my favorite at the moment. I have also had to promise Keith that I will get the pink shadings right. He won’t forgive me if I don’t, so the challenge is on!
