I admit to being a bit nervous about my first solo art exhibition for my bird art. I knew it was going to be a brave move – but nothing ventured, nothing gained!
As it happened I had nothing to worry about as the exhibition was a huge success. The turn out was terrific, with nearly 200 people visiting over the weekend, and a full house on the Friday night opening.
As my specialty lies in a fairly narrow niche, that of realistic Australian bird paintings and bird art, I’m never sure how well my paintings are going to be received.
Having received a gracious offer of gallery space at The Rose, North Fremantle, Western Australia, I was at first unsure. But with the support and encouragement of my amazing family and friends I was persuaded to go solo and accept the opportunity.
The result was “A Birds’s Perspective” – a solo exhibition of my Australian bird paintings. It was held over the Mothers’ day long weekend in May 2018.
Visitors from all over Western Australia brought their families and friends to view my bird paintings. I was overwhelmed by the attendance and support of friends, fellow artists, bird enthusiasts and bird art collectors, some of whom had traveled hundred of kms to attend.
We sold eight of my original bird paintings and a couple of plein air pieces. Of the bird paintings sold, I was a bit sad to part company with “Edwina’s Luncheon Orb”. Edwina is one of my favourites, and a finalist in the 2017 Holmes Art Prize.
I also received several commissions and lost count of the number of bird art prints and gift cards sold.
A portion of original bird painting sales is always donated to Birdlife Australia, as I believe it is important to support our threatened and endangered and feathered friends. I am glad to report that over the exhibition weekend we raised nearly $1,000 for that important cause.
Thank you to all who visited, supported and contributed to the success of my first bird art solo exhibition and my passion for protecting and painting Australian birdlife.
