A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum tree. A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch … — shown in a room setting A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum tree. A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum tree. A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a … — artist's signature A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum tree. — edge view A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum tree. — detail A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum t… — shown hanging
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A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum tree.
A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch … — shown in a room setting
A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum tree.
A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum tree.
A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a … — artist's signature
A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum tree. — edge view
A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum tree. — detail
A majestic Australian bird called a magpie looks at you inquisitively while sitting on the branch of a gum t… — shown hanging
Painting by Catherine Miles 38 Artworks Sold

Magpie

Oil, Linen, Ready to hang

40cm (W) x 50cm (H) x 3.3cm (D)

Certificate of Authenticity Included
A$850

Artwork Description

We are so lucky in Australia as we have such a rich and diverse amount of birdlife. The Magpie is one bird that tends to make quite the impression, as most people seem to either love or hate them. They are incredibly clever, becoming quite tame if treated well but can also be brutally aggressive when it comes to protecting their young. I use to love watching them play in the park taking turns at rolling onto their backs with their legs stuck up in the air. I have also seen them hanging upside down showing off to each other in the trees. I was experimenting with a large palette knife to create lost edges in this piece. I’m really pleased with the colour harmony and I will be exploring this limited palette in future works.

Artist Bio
Photo of Catherine Miles
Catherine Miles 92 artworks | 16 Sold

Residing in the Northern Territory, I am privileged to live and paint on Larrakia Land. With its diverse mix of cultures and vibrant environment, the Top End of Australia provides a boundless supply of inspiration for my artistic practice.

A recent health scare with my husband caused me re evaluate my life, and in response, I have become concerned that the overwhelming, sometimes hysterical rush of modern life is causing society to lose touch with what really matters. My art aims to strip back trivial idealisms and attempts to reconnect with the authentic self, finding genuine value in experiences within our world. I create works that inspire positive energy and bring joy to others.

My recent practice is influenced by Impressionistic alla prima techniques. Quality oils are my medium of choice, which I use to create pixelated layers of colour, inviting individual interpretation while retaining realistic representation.

My accomplishments include winning over 20 Northern Territory-based awards and commendations for my work, including the prestigious Portrait of a Senior Territorian in 2019 and 2023. In 2024 I branched out from the Northern Territory and was a finalist in the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award at the South East Centre for Contemporary Art in New South Wales. My work has been collected as part of the Northern Territory’s Araluen Art Collection and is also part of private collections in America, France, Australia, and Timor.