Rainforest

Australia’s rainforests can be found all across the country. My favourite being the Oldest Rainforest in the world. 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest in the north of Queensland. Home to a vast variety of plants and animals. World Heritage – listed for its biodiversity, its home to 663 species of animal, 2,800 different types of plants. This is where you will discover some of the worlds largest crocodiles. Also the stunning Cassowary Bird and some of my favourite butterflies, the Ulysses and Birdwing, known for there iridescent, luminous colours that seem to change when viewed from different angles. Having captured many of these on my camera for reference.

I’m yet to mention the common Green Tree Frog! In it’s tropical Rainforest home, they have a humble appreciation of human habitation such as bathrooms, lavatories and even found in your watering can. They also like to home in down pipes. They are bright green in colour, quite large, robust frog. Males grow up to 90mm, and females to113mm. I really enjoy photographing and painting them as they are not scared of humans getting up close.

Another favourite to paint is the flightless Cassowary bird. They are so colourful and is one of the most recognisable icons of the Wet Tropics. This striking bird with its brilliant blue and purple head and neck fascinates me. I use a pigment named ‘ Phthalo Blue’ when painting the iridescent blue neck on canvas. A very powerful colour, you don’t need much.

While the neighbouring New Zealand rainforest is temperate. These forests are found on the whole North Island and on the western side of the South Island. On the North Island there are many great national parks where you can visit rainforests. I have some amazing reference photos from here which I have applied to my work as an Artist.

The lowland forests contain plants like rata and rimu, while higher up there are kaikawaka, totara, kamahi and many others. On the South Island, there are rainforests along the western coast. Kahurangi National Park contains some rainforests, home to many native bird species such as the Tui. You will find some of my native bird paintings such as the ‘Tui’ and ‘Morpork’ and ‘Rua Pukeko’ in the Raukura Art Gallery, Picton, New Zealand. If your over that way call in for a visit and meet the lovely Gallery owner Ruth, who will assist you.

Its a great pleasure to be able to paint the true beauty of these magnificent rainforests they have to offer here in Australia and New Zealand. Enjoy my portfolio!