Kookaburra looking on

Original Artwork in soft pastels “ Kookaburra looking on “ by Moira Briel

This artwork was sketched on soft pastel paper with a width of 34cm and a height of 41cm and a depth of 0.1 cm . A protective spray was applied to prevent smudging and protect the artwork for a life time

The piece leverages the unique, velvety properties of soft pastels to contrast rich, organic textures against a dreamlike background. The kookaburra’s plumage is built from delicate, blended layers of creamy whites, warm sandy beiges, and deep charcoal browns. Crisp pastel pencil strokes define the fluffy, slightly unruly crest feathers on its crown, giving the bird its signature, rugged character. The long, heavy beak is rendered with smooth gradients of slate grey along the upper ridge, shifting to a lighter, warm wood tone underneath. Positioned dead centre, its dark, observant eyes are highlighted with a sharp, glassy catchlight that brings the bird’s fierce intelligence to life

Specifications.
Title; Kookaburra looking on
Media: soft pastel
Style: realism
Framing: Not included

Authenticity: Signed in the front and a letter of authenticity included
Packaging: Shipped in a protected bubble envelope

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I am an Australian based wildlife artist with 30 years of experience.

I was born in Zimbabwe and started my art career by studying under professional artists such as wildlife artist Francis Stoki in Zimbabwe and Donald Waters in Queensland Australia . I worked for a taxidermy in Zimbabwe for two years painting wildlife on a large scale for export overseas. One of my paintings sold to the governor of Beirut and the other to the vice president of Zimbabwe at the time.

I left Zimbabwe 17 years ago and now reside in Perth Western Australia. After retiring I finally have the opportunity to paint full time in my studio , something I always wanted to do.

I enjoy painting wildlife the most coming from Africa I find nothing better then capturing the beauty of wild animals in their natural habitat. I paint in acrylics mostly but have done charcoal drawings and soft pastel drawing as well and a bit of water colour and graphic pencils. I have worked in oils before but find acrylics dry a lot faster. I paint realism mostly but of late have switched to a bit of abstract painting which is fun bringing out the stories it tells. I have also done underwater scenes where I can follow the swirls and patterns of the water creating movement and patterns which are pleasing to the eye. I paint flowers, animals, underwater scenes, abstract,realism, still life, marine life, beach life, sea scapes and birds just to name a few , so keep an eye open for something different as i intend to give you just that