Mel Hills is a Tasmanian grown artist
She specialises in wildlife art, scientific illustration and landscape portraits in watercolour, acrylic and oils.
A need to explore, discover and understand led Mel to link studies in both art and science. She says “For me there is no boundary between the two disciplines; - both require observation, analysis and experimentation. They’re very complimentary.”
The Inspiration
“I love to share my joy in the landscape and the wonders that surround us. I get a bit caught up in the detail of pieces sometimes, wanting to get it just right. I love the challenge of trying to capture the essence of something and show that to others.
I’m just a kid who likes to say “hey, look at how cool THIS is” all the time. ”
The Creation
Mels' favourite tools are her sketchbook, camera and her spotting scope.
Of her images she says, “Each image comes together differently. Some are achieved on the spot, when I have a close encounter with a creature that captures my attention.
My landscapes are increasingly influenced by the plein-air sketching I love to do.
Generally though, things are a little slower. Often I have an idea for an image and it will take me months or years to gather enough information to create the painting.
I do a lot of field sketching, where I gather information about habits and behaviours of animals.
I also take lots of photos and use museum specimens to ensure details are correct. Once I have all the information, the finished image is roughed out and then built up in successive layers in order to get the complexity, depth and detail required. The process can take months ”
What’s next?
In the future I’d love to explore a total landscape more fully. – It would be fun to do an Antarctic study, or study an island such as Macquarie, or Maatsuyker – in all weathers, with all their occupants. Exploring the Desert and the Kimberley are also ideas that have been growing in my mind for some years. Then there are also those bugs I keep drawing, I might have to do something with them..
For more information about Mel, her product range or to just check out some images please visit her web site: www.melhillswildart.com.au