Koala

Oil on Birchwood Panel | 19″ x 21″

Up until the devastating wildfires in 2020, I had always thought of Koala’s as unassuming, cutesy animals.
Trotted out to be held and photographed by tourists. But, seeing the images of devastation as the wildfires
spread, changed them in my eyes forever. Coping under immense threat, surviving injury and habitat loss.
Suddenly the Koala had a strength and dignity I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t seen before.
I wanted this painting to show the humble Koala has so much more to offer than a gimmick for holiday
snapshots, they’re a beautiful, capable, independent species coming out of the other side of a terrible
trauma.
Painted from reference photography by Christian Meermann
To create this painting, I’ve used my signature tool – a sword liner brush (typically reserved for
watercolours). Applying the layers of colour and texture using the wet-on-wet technique. Not waiting for
the layers to dry but pulling my brush through them while they’re still wet, creating clean, fine lines.
Painting small sections at a time, finishing each to completion before moving on to the next.
Finished with a protective layer of varnish. Framed in an exclusive hand-built moulding, with gold inlay.
Designed to accentuate without detracting or distracting. All materials used are vegan and cruelty-free.