Tag Archives: bird oil paintings

I’m thrilled to share some wonderful news!

My wildlife oil painting, Macca, featuring a beautiful Tasmanian Green Rosella, has been selected as a Finalist in the internationally acclaimed Wild Heart Gallery – Masters of Wildlife Art 2026 competition.

To have my work recognised alongside talented wildlife artists from around the world is both humbling and incredibly exciting. As an Australian birdlife artist, my passion has always been to celebrate the remarkable beauty, character and diversity of our native birds, and it is an honour to see Australian wildlife represented on an international stage.

Meet Macca

The inspiration for this painting was a magnificent male Tasmanian Green Rosella whose brilliant plumage immediately caught my eye. Endemic to Tasmania, Green Rosellas are among Australia’s most colourful parrots, with rich emerald greens, vibrant yellows, deep blues and flashes of crimson creating a spectacular display of colour.

Bringing the Painting to Life

Painted in oils, Macca evolved slowly over many weeks as I carefully built layers of colour, light and intricate feather detail. My goal wasn’t simply to create a realistic portrait, but to capture a moment of connection—to reveal the spirit and individuality that make every bird unique.

For me, wildlife art is about far more than technical accuracy. Every painting is an opportunity to encourage people to pause, look closely and appreciate the extraordinary wildlife that surrounds us. Australia’s birds are among the most diverse and fascinating in the world, and they deserve both our admiration and our protection.

International Recognition for Australian Birdlife Art

Being named a finalist in the Wild Heart Gallery’s Masters of Wildlife Art 2026 exhibition is a milestone in my artistic journey. The exhibition celebrates outstanding wildlife art from across the globe, bringing together artists who share a passion for nature and conservation through their work.

To know that Macca will be exhibited alongside such exceptional artwork is a tremendous privilege and one I am deeply grateful for.

Thank You

To everyone who has supported my work—whether you’ve collected a painting, followed my journey, visited an exhibition, or simply shared your love of Australian birds—thank you. Your encouragement inspires me every day to continue creating art that celebrates our incredible native wildlife.

I also extend my sincere thanks to the judges and organisers of the Wild Heart Gallery – Masters of Wildlife Art 2026 for this wonderful recognition.

I look forward to sharing more Australian bird paintings with you in the months ahead. Until then, I hope Macca reminds us all to pause, appreciate the beauty of nature, and celebrate the remarkable birds that make Australia so unique.

Sometimes the most memorable visitors arrive uninvited.

Berry Bandits captures a delightful moment in the Australian bush—a pair of endangered Gang-gang Cockatoos helping themselves to the ripe berries of a hawthorn tree with complete confidence. Their inquisitive nature and playful partnership transform an ordinary garden into the scene of a charming heist.

Known for their distinctive calls, gentle personalities and unmistakable crests, Gang-gang Cockatoos have become an increasingly precious sight as habitat loss and environmental pressures have contributed to their decline. This painting celebrates not only their beauty but also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting Australia’s unique birdlife.

Commissioned by a passionate bird lover, Berry Bandits was created to capture the joy these remarkable birds bring whenever they appear. The rich crimson berries echo the vibrant splash of colour on the male’s head, while the textured foliage provides a natural stage for their playful antics.

The accompanying photograph of the owner holding the completed artwork marks the end of one creative journey and the beginning of another, as Berry Bandits finds its permanent home. More than a painting, it is a lasting reminder of treasured encounters with two charismatic visitors who proved that, when berries are ripe, every garden has its bandits.

I’m delighted to have my entry, Sitting Pretty, featured in the Visual Stories Competition at the Margaret River Region Readers & Writers Festival 2026.

“Sitting Pretty” tells the story of an iconic Australian Galah with big dreams of fame. Full of personality, curiosity and a touch of cheeky ambition, this colourful character captures the humour and spirit that make Australia’s native birds so unforgettable. Through this work, I wanted to celebrate the Galah’s vibrant presence while inviting viewers to imagine the story behind its confident pose.

The Visual Stories Competition celebrates the power of storytelling through art and forms part of the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival 2026, showcasing works that inspire conversation, imagination and connection.

“Sitting Pretty” – Visual Story.

Gary the Galah was having what he proudly called a fabulous morning. He’d found the perfect gum branch—high enough to feel important, low enough for everyone to admire him.

He fluffed his pink feathers. “Behold,” he declared to absolutely no one, “Australia’s most magnificent bird.”

The branch wobbled.

Gary ignored it. Icons don’t fall.

He struck a heroic pose. The branch dipped again with a creak that sounded suspiciously like laughter. A Kookaburra snorted.

Gary glared. “I’ll have you know this is a premium branch.”

The branch chose that moment to bounce like a trampoline. Squawking indignantly Gary fought for balance. After an undignified wobble, he managed to stay upright—barely.

The Kookaburra cackled so hard he nearly toppled off his ownperch.

Gary lifted his crest. “That was a rehearsed stunt. For my fans.”

He looked around. Still no fans. Stardom was exhausting.

Celebrating the Beauty of Nature: “Theo” at the Holmes Art Prize 2025

I’m thrilled to share that my oil painting of the Tasmanian Green Rosella, affectionately named “Theo,” has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Holmes Art Prize for Realistic Australian Bird Art 2025! This competition is a significant milestone in the bird art world, showcasing the incredible talent and passion for avian art across Australia.

Creating “Theo” was a labour of love. I wanted to capture not just the vibrant colours and intricate details of this stunning bird, but also the essence of its natural habitat. The lush greens and pops of red from the surrounding foliage reflect the beauty of the Tasmanian landscape, reminding us of the delicate balance of nature that we must cherish and protect.

As I stood beside my artwork at the exhibition, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. It’s not just about the recognition; it’s about connecting with fellow artists and nature lovers who share a passion for wildlife. Each brushstroke in “Theo” represents countless hours of observation and dedication, and I hope it inspires others to appreciate the beauty of our feathered friends.

Art has a unique way of bridging gaps and fostering conversations. I love hearing the stories and experiences that people share when they see my work. It’s a reminder that art is not just a solitary endeavor; it’s a shared journey that brings us all together.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure! I can’t wait to see where this journey with “Theo” takes us next. If you’re in the area, I encourage you to visit the exhibition and immerse yourself in the beauty of bird art. Let’s celebrate the wonders of nature together!

Best of Show for “Soulmates” Red-tailed Black Cockatoo’s

Grey Cube Gallery proudly presents the sixth Animals online art show for the month of February 2025. The show encompassed a range of artistic styles and mediums (oil on canvas, acrylic, pastel, graphite, scratchboard, coloured pencil, watercolour, recycled metal, bronze, digital art, photography). Each submission has been judged based on the following elements of artistic expression: originality and quality of art, overall design, creativity, interpretation of the theme, demonstration of artistic ability and usage of medium. Out of all entries, 64 artworks were shortlisted for inclusion in the show. The competition attracted entries from many countries across the world: Finland, Canada, USA, Austria, Taiwan, Australia, UK, China, Germany and Italy. Enjoy the show:

https://greycubegallery.com/current-show/index.html

Huge thank you to Keith Lightbody for graciously providing and editing the reference photo used as inspiration for this oil painting.

Greetings from TERAVARNA USA!

We’re delighted to bring you the exciting news that you have won an award in the “10th ANIMAL” art competition.

What wonderful news for “Pete” – Australian Pelican painted in oils. It is always a great honour to receive an award particularly when competing at an international level.

Thank you Teravarna USA and the panel of judges.

Huge thank you to @msl__photography for graciously providing the reference photo used as inspiration to create “Pete” the Pelican painted in oils.

Wow! What an Honour!

My oil painting called “Waratah” has now won 3 International Awards and was a finalist in Australia’s pre-eminent birdlife art competition the Holmes Art Prize for Excellence in Realistic Australian Birdlife 2023.

BEST OF SHOW

Grey Cube Gallery USA – Nature Art Show 2024

Nicky Shelton – “Waratah” – Rainbow Lorikeet’s – oil on canvas 51cm x 76cm.

Grey Cube Gallery proudly presents the fifth Nature online art show for the month of October 2024. The show encompassed a range of artistic styles and mediums (oil on canvas, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, coloured pencil, graphite, photography, digital). Each submission has been judged based on the following elements of artistic expression: originality and quality of art, overall design, creativity, interpretation of the theme, demonstration of artistic ability and usage of medium. Out of all entries, 55 artworks were shortlisted for inclusion in the show. The competition attracted entries from many countries across the world: USA, Canada, Belgium, Australia, Portugal, Hong Kong, Germany, Ireland, Taiwan and United Kingdom. Enjoy the show and thank you for expressing an interest in our competition.

Thank you to @davidcsimon for graciously providing the ref photo used as inspiration.

Supporting BirdLife Australia.

How absolutely fabulous to receive First Place in an International Nature Art Competition.

My oil painting of a Tasmanian Green Rosella called “Macca” Jury Judged – First Place amongst hundreds of entries.

Thank you US based Gallery4Percent and the panel of judges for selecting my artwork as the overall winner.

I couldn’t do what I do without the support of the amazing photographers who graciously provide me with endless inspiration. Huge thank you to Janelle Walker of Pixelperrrrfectphotography for providing the image of a male Tasmanian Green Rosella used as inspiration to create an award winning oil painting called “Macca”.

My oil painting of a female Gang-gang Cockatoo called “Cherry Ripe” received an Award of Excellence at Australia’s preeminent bird art competition the Holmes Prize for Realistic Australian Bird Art 2022.

Just to be chosen as one of the 35 competition finalist is a major achievement. To receive an Award of Excellence amongst Australia’s leading bird artists is a great honour and very validating.

“Cherry Ripe” took nearly 7 weeks to paint in oils. She was painted specifically as my entry in this competition.

I have to send a huge thank you to my photographer friend Perry Cho who graciously allowed use of his photo as a reference for my interpretation.

“Chick Pea” my painting of a smiling Carnaby Cockatoo is now the Currambine Primary School Emblem.

Thanks to Natalie Heartcliffe – Art Specialist at Currambine Primary School a print of my painting of “Chick Pea” will be the face that welcomes everyone to the school.

With my permission the print of “Chick Pea” has received a new name “ERIC” which is an acronym to help inspire Currambine Primary School students to use their Excellence, Respect, Integrity and Kindness.

Special thank you to photographer Mark Molinari for graciously providing the reference photo used as inspiration for this painting. Sadly Mark passed away 2022.

Together lets raise $5K for Australia’s endangered birdlife.

I have been nominated for the 2022 APIA Get Set.60 Awards. There are 11 nominees and voting is exclusively online.

APIA will donate $5K to the winner’s charity of choice.

As an Australian birdlife conservationist and artist my charity of choice is Birdlife Australia, specifically to assist with the conservation and rehabilitation of our beautiful and unique endangered birds.

In support of our feathered friends PLEASE vote. Every vote counts. Just click on HOME link below:

https://getset60.apia.com.au/

This year a record 168 artists will be participating in the largest Open Studio event in Australia, possibly the Southern Hemisphere. This is a fabulous opportunity to meet the artists in their creative space and discover what drives their passions.

My studio – “The Aviary” the creative home of my birdlife artworks painted in oils will be open 10am to 4pm every day during the event 10th to 25th September. I am number 88 in the Event Guide

I look forward to seeing you during your Margaret River Region artistic discovery.

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It is a great honour to announce my oil painting of a female Gang-gang Cockatoo called “Cherry Ripe” has been selected as one of 35 finalist artworks in one of Australia’s premiere bird art competitions – Holmes Art Prize for Excellence in Realistic Australian Birdlife 2022.

This painting was created to raise awareness of an iconic Australian cockatoo.

Gang -gang cockatoos are one of my favourite Australian birds, they are the animal emblem of the Australian Capital Territory and one of the more distinctive and charismatic members of Australia’s avifauna. This gorgeous female epitomises their sheet beauty.

I feel it is important to recognise the splendour of our Australian Birdlife and use my artworks to promote birdlife conservation.  With each painting created I strive to capture the character and majesty of every subject.

 Sadly these beautiful birds have recently been uplisted to the endangered species list.

Acknowledgement and huge thank you to photographer Perry Cho for graciously providing the reference photo used as inspiration for this oil painting.

“The Art of Birds – Meet Nicky Shelton”

A few weeks ago I was approached to do an interview with Bird Buddy . If you haven’t heard of Bird Buddy the product is a smart bird feeder that notifies you of bird visitors, captures photos of birds who visit the birdfeeder and organises the photos into a beautiful collection. This innovative product was invented by some cleaver people in Europe, and is taking off like a rocket. The team behind the product are devoted to birdlife conservation. Just like me.

If you would like to discover more about me and my passion for birds click on the link below:

https://blog.mybirdbuddy.com/post/interview-nicky-shelton

“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!    

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.

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“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”.

“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 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

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 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.