Tag Archives: avian art

Celebrating the Beauty of Nature: “Theo” at the Holmes Art Prize 2025

I’m thrilled to share that my oil painting of the Tasmanian Green Rosella, affectionately named “Theo,” has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Holmes Art Prize for Realistic Australian Bird Art 2025! This competition is a significant milestone in the bird art world, showcasing the incredible talent and passion for avian art across Australia.

Creating “Theo” was a labour of love. I wanted to capture not just the vibrant colours and intricate details of this stunning bird, but also the essence of its natural habitat. The lush greens and pops of red from the surrounding foliage reflect the beauty of the Tasmanian landscape, reminding us of the delicate balance of nature that we must cherish and protect.

As I stood beside my artwork at the exhibition, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. It’s not just about the recognition; it’s about connecting with fellow artists and nature lovers who share a passion for wildlife. Each brushstroke in “Theo” represents countless hours of observation and dedication, and I hope it inspires others to appreciate the beauty of our feathered friends.

Art has a unique way of bridging gaps and fostering conversations. I love hearing the stories and experiences that people share when they see my work. It’s a reminder that art is not just a solitary endeavor; it’s a shared journey that brings us all together.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure! I can’t wait to see where this journey with “Theo” takes us next. If you’re in the area, I encourage you to visit the exhibition and immerse yourself in the beauty of bird art. Let’s celebrate the wonders of nature together!

2025 – First Place Prize Winner – Gallery4Percent USA – International Nature Art Competition.

In the realm of avian art, few subjects capture the imagination quite like the graceful flight of Terns. “A Symphony in the Sky” is a celebration of these magnificent birds, painted in oils to evoke the beauty and elegance of their aerial dance.

As you gaze upon this artwork, you can almost hear the soft rustle of feathers and the gentle whispers of the wind. The Terns, with their striking white plumage and vibrant red beaks, seem to glide effortlessly through the sky, embodying freedom and grace.

I’m thrilled to share that “A Symphony in the Sky” was awarded first place in the Gallery4Percent international nature art competition! This recognition inspires me to continue exploring the beauty of birdlife and the stories they tell through their graceful movements.

Greetings from TERAVARNA USA!

We’re delighted to bring you the exciting news that you have won an award in the “10th ANIMAL” art competition.

What wonderful news for “Pete” – Australian Pelican painted in oils. It is always a great honour to receive an award particularly when competing at an international level.

Thank you Teravarna USA and the panel of judges.

Huge thank you to @msl__photography for graciously providing the reference photo used as inspiration to create “Pete” the Pelican painted in oils.

Wow! What an Honour!

My oil painting called “Waratah” has now won 3 International Awards and was a finalist in Australia’s pre-eminent birdlife art competition the Holmes Art Prize for Excellence in Realistic Australian Birdlife 2023.

BEST OF SHOW

Grey Cube Gallery USA – Nature Art Show 2024

Nicky Shelton – “Waratah” – Rainbow Lorikeet’s – oil on canvas 51cm x 76cm.

Grey Cube Gallery proudly presents the fifth Nature online art show for the month of October 2024. The show encompassed a range of artistic styles and mediums (oil on canvas, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, coloured pencil, graphite, photography, digital). Each submission has been judged based on the following elements of artistic expression: originality and quality of art, overall design, creativity, interpretation of the theme, demonstration of artistic ability and usage of medium. Out of all entries, 55 artworks were shortlisted for inclusion in the show. The competition attracted entries from many countries across the world: USA, Canada, Belgium, Australia, Portugal, Hong Kong, Germany, Ireland, Taiwan and United Kingdom. Enjoy the show and thank you for expressing an interest in our competition.

Thank you to @davidcsimon for graciously providing the ref photo used as inspiration.

Supporting BirdLife Australia.

How absolutely fabulous to receive First Place in an International Nature Art Competition.

My oil painting of a Tasmanian Green Rosella called “Macca” Jury Judged – First Place amongst hundreds of entries.

Thank you US based Gallery4Percent and the panel of judges for selecting my artwork as the overall winner.

I couldn’t do what I do without the support of the amazing photographers who graciously provide me with endless inspiration. Huge thank you to Janelle Walker of Pixelperrrrfectphotography for providing the image of a male Tasmanian Green Rosella used as inspiration to create an award winning oil painting called “Macca”.

Painted in oils “Waratah” Awarded 2nd Place in international Wildlife competition held by International Artist Magazine USA.

It is always a great honour and validating to receive an award, particularly when the artwork is jury judged against incredible competition.

“Waratah” is an oil painting depicting a pair of Rainbow Lorikeets sitting on one of Australia’s most iconic flowers, the floral emblem for New South Wales.

Acknowledgement to photographer David C. Simon for graciously providing the reference photo used as inspiration for this oil painting.

How absolutely fabulous to be the featured as the avian artist in the January – February 2023 edition of Parrot News Magazine.

The article gives some background on my bird art journey and features many of parrot and cockatoo paintings all lovingly painted in oils.

Hude thank you to Parrot Society of Australia Inc. for choosing me.

News From The Aviary

Exciting News for “Lenny” the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo.

Gallery

“Lenny” the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo has been successfully selected for inclusion in the Capecare acquisition project 2021.

Capecare is today the largest regionally based independent aged care provider in Western Australia. They are an organisation dedicated to supporting the local art community by acquireing and displaying art throughout their residential care buildings for residents, their families, visitors, staff and local community to enjoy.

“Lenny” was one of the artworks selected from many submissions for the acquisition project. He will hang on permanent display in the newly completed Capecare residency in Dunsborough where residents, visitors and staff can enjoy the artworks of local artists together with the artist’s biography and artist’s statements supporting each individual artwork.

It is a great honor to be included in the 2021 acquisition project.

Thank you Arts Margaret River for co-ordinating this very special project and thank you Capecare for the acquisition of “Lenny”.

The conversion of our old rustic stables into my new artist studio is a dream come true! Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would one day have my very own dedicated creative space (40 square meters) to splash paint, display my Birdlife artworks and share my oil painting techniques with like minded creative enthusiasts.

It has been an all consuming project under the supervision of our totally domesticated rescue Sheep (yes that is her name) who together with her Alpaca friends enthusiastically greet all guests to our property.

Gallery visitors are always welcome – just drop me a message so I can warm up the kettle.

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“Marty” – Carnaby Cockatoo painted in oils was Sold and shipped to his new home in Italy on 26th September 2021. “Marty’s” new owner was so thrilled with her acquisition, telling me how excited she was to be receiving a painting that would brighten the dark time of living through Covid in Europe.

Both Marty’s new owner and I kept a close eye on his movements across the oceans to his new home. Touching base with one another when we both received confirmation he had arrived in Italy approximately 2 weeks after his departure from the shores of Australian. That was 14th October 2021.

With much anticipation we continued to track the whereabouts of “Marty”. Milan – December 4th 2021 is the last Tracking record of his location.

There has been no news since then.

Sadly all endevours to locate “Marty” have failed. We can only hope with fingers and toes crossed he will arrive at his new owners destination or be returned to his artistic creator.

Where are you “Marty”?