“Swoop” – Wins his second international Award.

He has been awarded Hon. Mention in the Traditional category of USA based Fusion Art – 4th Into the Wild Art Exhibition. This is a jury judged competition and the second international award this painting has received. “Swoop” has previously been jury judged “Best Painting in Show” by US based Camelback Galleries.

“Swoop” has also featured on the front page of a European art magazine.

Thank you “Swoop” and Muneer Al Shanti for allowing use of his image used as inspiration for this oil painting.

Commission above was created for a client who requested a series of bird artworks – Birds specific to the Margaret River Region. Thank you to photographer Judy Walker for graciously allowing use of your Scarlet Robin image used as inspiration.

During a hugely successful 2021 Open Studios, I was commissioned to complete a number of commissions for bird loving clients.

All have been successfully completed now, and I have room in my schedule for new commissions.

Depending on size it can take several weeks to complete an artwork due to my preferred choice of medium being oils (renowned for slow drying). Each layer of oil paint needs to be touch dry in order to layer up the detail. Lots of zen moments for me and hopefully well worth the wait.

The normal process is for you to nominate the bird of your choice – give me a few hints about what you are looking for in a painting. I then review several reference photos, and together we select the base image. I then use my artistic license to create a special artwork just for you.

Commission below was created for a special client who’s cousin was the photographer Di Pridham. Thank you Di for allowing use of your image.

As a thank you to all who visited my studio during the September 2021 Open Studios event, I ran a competition to win a print of The Chaperone.

We had nearly 400 entries, and estimated our total number of visitors at around 500.

Charlie and the other fur kids (Goblin and Spike the Alpaca’s and Sheep) were exhausted after greeting and engaging with so many people.

Congratulations to the competition winner – Robyn Kennedy.

All the print orders have been placed and they are in the process of being dispatched. Those you bought a print should have received tracking numbers by now.

That done, I am now starting work on the many commissions that I have been asked to complete.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding of the time pressures an event like this puts on us.

Thanks again to  all who visited, and a reminder that I am open for visits all year round by Appointment.

Selected pieces are also available from Jah Roc Galleries, on the main street in Margaret River.

A reminder also that you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

Enjoy the Spring sunshine!    

2021 will be my first year as a participant in the Margaret River Region Open Studios.

This year will be the largest and most exciting Open Studios event in Australia. With over 140 artists opening their doors to the public showcasing a huge diversity of amazing artistic talent including glass blowers, tattoo artists, carpet makers, contemporary artists and me a realistic bird artist.

My studio will be open from 10am to 4pm during the entire event from 11th September to 26th September. I am look forward to showing you my artworks!

It is a great honor to be selected as a featured artist by USA based Artsy Shark.

Artsy Shark are a US based artist support and promotional organisation who jury select and “Feature amazing artists, sharing their stories with the world”.

The Artsy Shark selection process is a highly competitive curated process. Artists in every medium around the globe compete to be selected as a features artist.

Featured Artist Nicky Shelton
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”?

It is an honor to be re-invited to teach at the annual Albany Summer School. This year the school celebrated an anniversary of 61 years an achievement giving the school recognition as being one of Australia’s longest running Summer School Events.

This year I taught two classes over the second week of the school curiculum program.

The morning class was titled “Understanding Light Dark Harmony” where students were shown how to identify value and tone. The afternoon class was titled “Mastering the Art of Colour Mixing” where students created their own colour wheel and learnt how to match colour using 3 primary colours plus white.

All students were encouraged to create their own artwork using the oil painting techniques learnt in class.

The results were remarkable with nearly every student completing their own oil painting within class time. To my amazement some students had never used oils or even painted before.

We laughed, cajoled, shared learning moments, but most importantly had fun.

I am so proud of all my students, who’s results speak for themselves. Thank you for joining me at Albany Summer School 2021.

Congratulations to each of you!

What a wonderful surprise to discover I am a featured artist in the June 2020 addition of ArtBaazar’s Online Magazine.

Even more of a surprise to discover my painting of “Swoop” has been featured on the front cover of the magazine.

Acknowledgement to photographer Muneer Al Shanti for graciously providing the reference photo as inspiration for my painting of “Swoop”.

ArtBaazar Online Magazine #8 June 2020

It was an honor to have been invited to tech “Oil Painting Techniques” at the 60th anniversary of the Albany Summer School.  The school – one the longest running Summer School programmes in Australia.

My class was fully booked with a team of 12 talented and enthusiastic students – all at different levels of oil painting experience.  Together we mastered the art of painting in oils and enjoyed a fun week of creative learning with lots of laughs and amazing results.

Thank you to my fabulous team of artistic students.  I was overwhelmed by your enthusiasm and very proud of your spectacular results.  Congratulations.

I have been asked to return for the 2021 Albany summer School and look forward to teaching not one, but two courses in “Oil Painting Techniques”.

News From The Aviary

Oil Painting Techniques with Nicky Shelton

Gallery
 Enrolments are open for Albany Summer School January 13th to 17th 2020.
Come and join me in what should be a fun and rewarding experience where I will share my oil  painting techniques including how to apply tonal values, oil paint application and lots more.  I will show you skills than can easily be translated to any paintable subject.
Numbers are limited.
https://www.albanysummerschool.com.au/coursedetail.aspx?_Item=233

I present to you a  sample of  small bird paintings 12.5cm x 17.5 cm created whilst on a 12 month European road trip.

 

It seems  surreal painting Australian birds in Italy, France, Croatia and different European locations, but Aussie birds are my thing and as they say you have to follow your passion.

 

Having  retired from corporate careers my husband and I have been doing what our friends call – “living the dream”.  The agreement before we left home was that I could continue to paint.

 

We have  spent the past 12 months travelling across Europe,  pet sitting between destinations which has given me time to continue pursuing my love to paint Australian birds in oils.

 

Pet sitting is a wonderful way to travel. we have visited some amazing locations, met and developed friendships with wonderful people and looked after beautiful much loved pets including turtles, fish, ducks, goats, cats, dogs and horses.

 

Combining  travel and oil painting  can become tricky particularly when packing wet paintings into an already over stuffed car.  Luckily I have a devoted husband who is committed to my passion –  after hours of meticulous car packing practice he has excruciatingly solved the artwork packing quandry.  The unpacking is another issue.

 

My small Australian Bird paintings are available via my web.

 

“Mitch” Major Mitchell painted in oils 40cm x 50cm.

 

Dressed in salmon pink these magnificent cockatoos possess a crown befitting a king.

 

” Mich” the Major Mitchell now resides on the walls of a Californian bird life art  collector who’s passion is cockatoos.  It  is lovely to share Australian birds in painted form.

 

To me birds are one of natures gifts belonging in their natural habitat where we can  cherish and protect them for generations to come.

 

Thank you wildlife photographer Keith Lightbody for graciously providing the reference photo for my interpretation.

 

A portion of every original painting I sell is automatically donated to Birdlife Australia.

 

 

 

 

 

“Swoop” my bird painting of an Australian Magpie takes pride of honor  – Jury selected “Best in Show” by the USA based Camelback Gallery “Animal” one line painting competition.

 

“Swoop”  was lovingly painted in memory of my father who lost his battle with Parkinson’s disease. When asked what bird would he like me to paint – my father announced “A Magpie”. In his final weeks we would walk and sit together watching the magpies play antics in the local park. My last memories of spending quality time with my father.

 

Australian Magpie
Swoop – Australian Magpie

Thank you to Muneer Al Shanti for graciously providing the reference photo for this painting.

News From The Aviary

One of My Birdlife Photographers

Aside

This is a photo of wildlife photographer Shaun Fearn standing next to my oil painting called “Edwina’s Luncheon Orb”.

Shaun graciously provided the reference photo for this painting which was jury judged as a finalist in Australia’s most prestigious bird art competition – the 2017 Holmes Art Prize for Realistic Birdlife.

I could not do what I do without the support of the amazing photographers who graciously share their talents. Thank you Shaun.
Together we support BirdLife Australia.

 

Thank you to all my followers and birdie enthusiast friends for your support on “Happy Wrensdays”.

 

Wednesday  is a special day for lovers of birds.  Many refer to the mid week working day as hump day.  Not so for Wren admirers, who have renamed this day  ” Wrensday” in honour of the worlds beautiful Wrens.

 

To support and celebrate  this special day  I have created a series of “Happy Wrensday” paintings in varying poses and sizes.  Due to the popularity of “Happy Wrensday” my little Wren series is constantly  and happily being added to.

 

Ranking highly on the Wren popularity scale is the Splendid Fairy Wren or Blue Wren who when dressed in his courtship suit during the months of August to October is truly dazzling sigh to behold.

 

I can confirm when in full dress the Blue Wren consists of at least 16 shades of blue.

 

Most of my Wren bird paintings are for sale through the website – either as originals or prints.

 

I can also create a little Wren just for you or a loved one.

It is a great honor to be invited to submit my Australian bird paintings to be included in the annual Fine Art at Hale School Art Exhibition.

Hale School is one of Perth, Western Australia’s most prestigious private schools. The annual exhibition, which has been running for 26 years, is curated by a selection panel and only invited artists are offered inclusion.

A great honor to present my bird art for sale in in this year’s exhibition.

Bird Paintings Available at Jahroc Galleries

I am glad to announce that a selection of my bird paintings are available at Jahroc Galleries in Margaret River.  I feel honoured to have them represent my bird artworks.

Jahroc is one of the leading galleries in the region with a long history in the town.

It is perfectly located in the Southern end of the main street and is well known to art lovers.

Margaret River

As an Australian Bird Artist I feel that t is important to have a gallery whose patrons relate to my bird art.   Jahroc is perfect for this, as is the region.

For those who don’t already know, Margaret River is one of Australia’s premium wine, tourist and surfing destinations.  The region is also home to a large variety Australian birdlife – including the very popular and spectacular Splendid Blue FairyWrens.

An Artist’s Journey

The aim of every professional artist is to become widely known and have his or her talent more widely recognised.  (We also need to sell some stuff from time to time – partly because we need the money but more importantly as an acknowledgement that others appreciate our skills.)

Gallery representation is an important step in building an artist’s reputation.   It is important to foster a strong relationship with the right gallery (or galleries) and I am pleased to have Jahroc’s support in my journey.

News From The Aviary

Bird Art Flying Solo – My First Exhibition

Aside
Exhibition Nerves

I admit to being a bit nervous about my first solo art exhibition for my bird art.  I knew it was going to be a brave move – but nothing ventured, nothing gained!

As it happened I had nothing to worry about as the exhibition was a huge success.  The turn out was terrific, with nearly 200 people visiting over the weekend, and a full house on the Friday night opening.

Bird art niche

As my specialty lies in a fairly narrow niche, that of realistic Australian bird paintings and bird art, I’m never sure how well my paintings are going to be received.

Having received a gracious offer of gallery space at The Rose, North Fremantle, Western Australia, I was at first unsure.   But with the support and encouragement of my amazing family and friends I was persuaded to go solo and accept the opportunity.

Bird Art Exhibition – A Bird’s Perspective

The result was “A Birds’s Perspective” – a solo exhibition of my Australian bird paintings. It was held over the Mothers’ day long weekend in May 2018.

Visitors from all over Western Australia brought their families and friends to view my bird paintings.  I was overwhelmed by the attendance and support of friends, fellow artists, bird enthusiasts and bird art collectors, some of whom had traveled hundred of kms to attend.

Exhibition Results

We sold eight of my original bird paintings and a couple of plein air pieces.  Of the bird paintings sold, I was a bit sad to part company with “Edwina’s Luncheon Orb”. Edwina is one of my favourites, and a finalist in the 2017 Holmes Art Prize.

I also received several commissions and lost count of the number of bird art prints and gift cards sold.

A portion of original bird painting sales is always donated to Birdlife Australia, as I believe it is important to support our threatened and endangered and feathered friends.  I am glad to report that over the exhibition weekend we raised nearly $1,000 for that important cause.

Thank you to all who visited, supported and contributed to the success of my first bird art solo exhibition and my passion for protecting and painting Australian birdlife.

Exhibition News –  Nicky’s Flying Solo this May!

by Derek Lee 

Make sure you drop in to Nicky Shelton’s Solo Exhibition, it is a visual feast for Art Lovers and Bird Enthusiasts!

A BIRD’S PERSPECTIVE.

Opening Night: Friday 11 May, 2018 – 6.30pm to 9.00pm

Exhibition Hours: Saturday 12 May & Sunday 13 May – 10am to 5pm

Venue: The Rose, 78 Stirling Highway, North Fremantle, Western Australia

Google Maps –  https://tinyurl.com/yaa5x9na

Red-eared Firetail Finch
Ruby’s Reflectcion

“Rudy’s Reflection”, Nicky Shelton, Oil on Canvas, 2017

“If you have the time to sit a while and observe the beauty of birds, you will be amazed at the colourful detail that fills their feathered coats Australian artist Nicky Shelton has that wonderful ability to bring that beauty in all its glory to the canvas.” artbaazar.com

Nicky Shelton
THE ARTIST

Nicky Shelton is a Western Australian artist who embraced the journey of fine art after giving away a successful corporate career in 2012. Australian birdlife is what ignites her passion to paint in oils, capturing the unique charisma and personality of each feathered subject she gets to know.

Learn more at https://artbaazar.com/blogs/news/getting-to-know-artist-nicky-shelton-and-her-artwork

Little Black Cormorant Painting - Dillon - Bird Paintings
Dillon – All Shagged Out

“Dillon – Little Black Cormorant”, Nicky Shelton, Oil Painting, 2016

Nicky has been quickly recognised as an up-coming talent, being a jury selected finalist in prestigious 2017 art awards. These include the Cliftons Art Prize (Asia Pacific), Holmes Art Prize for Excellence in Realistic Australian Birdlife and the MidWest Art Prize.

She is an advocate for conservation and supports Birdlife Australia to protect Australia’s threatened bird species – of which she says there are too many.

I was pleased to see this inclusion in the West Weekend Magazine on Saturday 14 April with some very flattering words:

Gorgeous Nelly here might look like she’s posing for the camera but this is actually one of the magnificent portraits on show at local artist Nicky Shelton’s debut solo exhibition, A Bird’s Perspective.

Shelton’s oil paintings are nothing short of breathtaking. Catch her work at The Rose Hotel, 78 Stirling Highway, Fremantle from May 11 to 13

RSVP

My upcoming solo exhibition has now been announced.

SAVE THE DATE: NICKY’S FLYING SOLO
I am pleased to announce that with the encouragement of friends and family, I am hosting my first solo art exhibition – A Bird’s Perspective
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Date: Friday 11 May – Sunday 13 May, 2018
Venue: The Rose
78 Stirling Highway, North Fremantle

Further details to be confirmed over the coming weeks

Australian Bird Artist