Southern Emu-Wren (Stipiturus malachurus)
Acrylic on linen, size 20 cm x 25 cm
SOLD – private collection, darwin, northern territory
inspiration
Mastery of flight may not be a strong point of Southern Emu-wrens. They do, however, fit perfectly within their habitat.
This painting portrays a Southern Emu-wren scouting the coastal heath and tidal lakes of southern Eyre Peninsula on a rare foray out from cover. The colours of this little bird’s plumage – rufous, yellow ochre and lavender blue – helps it to blend beautifully with the native flora.
This painting featured in BirdLife Australia’s “Birds + Us” exhibition at Claire Layman Gallery, Melbourne from 15 April – 1 May 2016. The exhibition celebrated 20 years of the Threatened Bird Network with art sales contributing toward TBN’s efforts to protect threatened birds.
artist’s process
- I painted a burnt sienna wash onto white gesso’d linen, overlaid with tinted burnt sienna and hooker’s green
- I progressed in my usual manner, painting branch and landscape before finishing the bird last
the artist at work – I mostly paint to music or birdsong… or rain!
Dr Megan Spiers 