About Nicky SheltonAbout Nicky Shelton

Hello and welcome to my website. I am an award winning Australian realistic birdlife artist living in Margaret River, Western Australia.  My studio/gallery “The Aviary” is just 5 minutes from the centre of town and open via appointment.

Following my retirement from the corporate world I reignited my childhood dream to become an artist swapping my desk for an easel.  After attending a series of local TAFE art classes I now lovingly dedicate every spare moment to painting and enhancing my artistic skills.

My chosen niche is to paint realistic Australian birdlife in oils.

I have always loved birds and think we in Australia are fortunate to share our continent with a wonderland of diverse birdlife.  To me birds are one of Mother Nature’s treasures.

Through my paintings I endeavour to capture the beauty, unique personality and magnificence of each of my chosen subjects.  I love interpreting each bird’s quirky characteristics.  Over weeks of applying layers of oil paint I capture the charisma and detail of every composition.

In support of our feathered friends, I am an active member of Birdlife Australia.  This is our nation’s largest bird conservation organisation. An independent, not-for-profit organisation, who’s aim is to create a brighter future for Australia’s beautiful birds.

From every original bird painting sold, I make a donation to Birdlife Australia to help protect and rehabilitate the many bird species which are endangered and under threat. It is unfortunate that so many of our feathered friends face an uncertain future.

My decision to pursue my artistic passion has been life changing. From May 2017 to April 2018 I was the Resident Birdlife Artist at the Village Art Gallery at Whiteman Park – one of Western Australia’s leading wildlife tourist destinations.

In May 2018 I held my first Solo Exhibition “A Birds Perspective”.  Many of my artworks were sold and together we raised hundreds of dollars in support of Birdlife Australia to help support threatened & endangered birds.

2019 we relocated to Margaret River a premium wine and surfing region of Western Australia.  Upon arrival we converted the old hayshed into my studio/gallery which we aptly called “The Aviary”. Located just 5 minutes from Margaret River town centre, my studio is the creative home of birdlife art all lovingly painted in oils.

As member of the region’s creative community, I am an annual participant in Margaret River Region Open Studios – Australia’s largest Open Studio Event, traditionally held in the September.  My studio doors are open for the entire event (16 days), I see the event as a fabulous opportunity share my creative passion for birdlife, meet fellow birdlife enthusiasts and promote the plight of our feathered friends.

Juried Exhibitions

I am appreciative of my work being recognised through competitive jury selection as an exhibitor and participant in a number of important Australian and International Nature Art Awards: