A Natural History Artist

Think outside what is considered normal, be a little bit eccentric, look at things with an artistic eye, and practice your craft; all of these are words of advice from this gifted artist.

Iwas born in 1963. I can’t remember when I started to paint, I only remember that it seemed ingrained in me, that it was something I was compelled to do but also that I loved it - it felt natural. It became part of who I was and who I am, and as both a child and adult it was something people remembered about me.

I was surrounded by nature with parents who encouraged respect and love of the natural and historical environment and using resources wisely.

As a young school girl my skill and work was admired by many, but also seen as an ‘oddity’ by many more including other students. This is probably reflected in the difficulty I find in being confident as an artist, even though the end product wipes away concern. It’s important for artistic children to be encouraged in this age old activity.

I employ a wide variety of techniques and mediums in my art works including using oils, pastels, watercolour, acrylics, pens, pencil, enamel, raw ochres from the earth, wire, feathers, leaves and photographs - all to produce artworks in a variety of styles from line illustrations to full colour painted images. My subjects vary from wildlife to landscapes, occasional portraits and cultural heritage such as artefacts and pioneering objects. I paint, illustrate and photograph them and also write about them. I have a variety of styles and am a natural history artist.

I seriously started using oils before my teenage years; my first major work using them being a vase overflowing with roses and buds. I was 10 years old!

I picked up various techniques through trial and error and watching other artists on television, in shopping centres and on street stalls. I also took a few lessons here and

there as a child, mostly to be in the company of another artist. One woman who gave me useful advice was Australian artist Margaret Grieg, who was confined to a wheelchair and painted spectacular landscapes holding a brush in her mouth.

I’ve exhibited many times over the years since then, as a solo artist and with others, entering the occasional competition but mainly completing works for gifts to family and friends, or to record species in publications. In recent years I have exhibited in several regional art galleries, highlighting my work in the natural history field.

Conducting natural history illustration workshops in regional centres with fellow artists Margaret Hodgson OAM and Christine Rockley has shown me there is still a lot of interest in old techniques and the importance of art in recording nature.

I added pen illustration to my stable of techniques when I worked with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service where commissioned work had to be line drawings for signs and publications.

I like to paint and draw as it takes me to another place, the rhythm

of brush or pen strokes lulls me into the moment or allows me to be involved with the subject to understand how a bird moves for example, or how its feathers are structured, or being in the landscape with the natural colours and moods.

I find inspiration from many artists in many mediums. Some include Albert Namatjira, Arthur Boyd, the Brushmen of the Bush, Ainslee Roberts and many more. Their work inspires a love for the Australian countryside and the legends that are bound within it.

I have learnt that I need to be versatile, not just in my artwork but also in life. The art world can be a cruel place, to survive you need to have thick skin and continue to enjoy what you do despite setbacks and unconstructive criticism. Art is in the eye of the beholder. I’ve learnt that art can be powerful in its persuasion; it can influence thinking much as writing does. It helps to be able to think outside what is considered normal, to be a little bit eccentric, to also look at things with an artistic eye, and practice your craft.

Contact details

Ph: 0427 477 143

Email: kdpicturemaker@gmail.com