A Flash of Colour: Bronzewing and Sandalwood

This painting depicts one of my local birds, a Bronzewing pigeon in a native Australian Sandalwood tree.

This painting was very gently created, with transparent blends, glimpses of the original sketch and the clean background exposing the special texture of the paper.

Bronzewing pigeons nest on my property, easy to spot as they often nest and forage low to the ground and flap away very laboriously when disturbed. They are fat, attractive birds with cinnamon tones and the flash of metallic colour on their wings. When trying to find a mate, you can hear them for hours in the bush (even in the dark) hooting one single note on repeat sounding like someone blowing over a jug. I expect many might mistake them for an owl.

Sandalwood trees are particularly unique and increasingly rare. Used as a source of bush medicine and food by indigenous Australians sustainably for many years, European colonists decimated populations of this tree as they were exported for incense production. It is also used for food production and very valuable oil.

Artwork is currently unframed, and will require framing. It can be supplied framed if you select Bluethumb's framing service.

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With a maker for a father and a mother whose pockets were perpetually stuffed with foraged seeds, it's only to be expected Polla would end up as a creative inspired by nature. 
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She holds a Fine Art degree from the University of Western Australia, a diploma in interior design, and spent many years as a graphic designer specialising in screen printing and print media. Adding an unexpected twist to her career, she is also a qualified Personal Fitness Trainer—as it's importance of stepping away from the easel every now and then.

Polla’s early work featured bold acrylics, exploring themes of commercialism and pop culture. However, her artistic journey took a profound turn in 2009 following the sudden loss of her partner of 15 years, just months after the birth of their first child. After pausing her creative practice for a year, she returned to painting, seeking healing and connection through art. She rediscovered her roots in nature, this time working primarily in the delicate medium of watercolour.

Today, Polla’s work reflects the quiet beauty of life and nature, encompassing still life, portraiture, animals, birds, and flowers. After years of freelancing as a graphic designer and commissioned artist, she is now focused on developing her personal practice, with several exciting projects underway.

Polla lives with her “second chance” husband and blended family on a small rural property in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, just beyond Perth. Surrounded by the beauty of her environment, she draws daily inspiration from the simplicity of country life. She aspires to Minimalism and continues to explore new artistic possibilities whenever she can.