Queensland Wildlife Artists Society Incorporated

Natasha Maciejewski: Exhibiting junior member

Natasha is a very talented young artist. She has worked hard to develop her skills, beginning with art lessons at the age of 11, a practice which she continues to this day. Strongly encouraged by her parents to pursue her art, Natasha has developed an interest in graphite, coloured pencil and ink as her preferred mediums while choosing to focus particularly on wildlife for her subjects. Australian birds and African wildlife are an area of fascination, and Natasha hopes to spend a significant amount of time developing her skills further -- a pursuit which her school supports. As a secondary student, Natasha is aware that she has much yet to learn but feels she also has much to offer the world through her artworks.

Chris McClelland: Exhibiting member. www.wildprints.com.au

Chris McClelland is famous for his unique, fine and intricate pencil drawings of African and Australian wildlife. He spends hours studying his subjects in their natural habitat, observing their movements, and noting the interactions between predator and prey. He uses sketches, photographs, video footage and his own well-honed powers of observation as reference to accurately portray the behaviour and anatomy of his animals. He draws them with such fine detail that each of his drawings can take up to 300 hours.
Chris is now receiving many awards in Australia for his extraordinary detailed wildlife drawings using of graphite and coloured pencils. The opening of the Chris McClelland Gallery at 84 Lachlan Street in Hay is attracting a large number of visitors to view his wonderful drawings and observe him drawing.

Marlene Millard: Exhibiting member. www.marls-art.com.au

Growing up a farmers’ daughter; Marlene Millard developed an eye for detail regarding animals and nature, along with an appreciation of our natural environment.
Enjoying a love of drawing since childhood, art has always been a passion. Marlene holds a Diploma in Complete Commercial Art & Graphic Design and has participated in many workshops to expand her skills. In recent years Marlene has won various awards, been featured in the Australian Artist Magazine and exhibited solely and with groups. Currently Marlene produces paintings for commissions, exhibitions and competitions; along with teaching drawing & pastels and working casual at Mi Art Gallery in Rockhampton.

Michele Musgrave: Exhibiting member

Click images to begin the slideshow. Click the X to close out.

Nadya Neklioudova: Exhibiting member.

Nadya was born in Moscow, Russia, grew up in Atlantic Canada, and now
lives in Brisbane, Australia.
Animal inspiration was easy to find from an early age, growing up
surrounded by rescued animals - from domestic cats and dogs, to exotic
creatures such as a pair of rescued Chinese Pangolins. Nadya's childhood
dream was to become a Biologist like her mother, but her interest
developed not just in the scientific study of nature, but in the
artistic and creative side. She completed her studies focusing on
illustration and photography at the Nova Scotia College of Art and
Design (NSCAD University) in Canada, before moving to Australia.

Nadya is passionate about wildlife from all corners of the world, and a
percentage of all artworks and prints sold goes to animal charities.

"I love watching wildlife for that one perfect moment, and waiting,
observing their behaviour and wild, natural beauty. How animals interact
with each other is absolutely fascinating to me. I have watched African
elephants at a waterhole for hours on end, and met a wild echidna in the
Australian rainforest.
I enjoy using watercolours with pen and ink, to create delicate and
detailed pieces from my experiences of being with nature, seeing animals
and living creatures. Painting from my own reference photographs lets me
not only study an animal from all angles, but also strive to portray the
personality of an animal, their unique quirks and expressions."

Artist website: http://www.undreamed.ca/

Barry Nelson: Exhibiting member.

Barry was born in London England. His elder sister taught him how to draw and paint in water colours and his father encouraged an appreciation and knowledge of flora and fauna. Most of his childhood weekends were spent visiting the countryside, zoos, museums, parks and gardens. Copies of National Geographic were always at hand.

Immigrating to Australia in 1981, he immediately took on the new challenge to learn about the fascinating animals, birds and plants in his new environment. Since retiring in 2002 Barry has renewed his interest in art and has received training in acrylic and pastels (now his preferred medium).

“I find it very satisfying to use my own photographs as a basis for many of my pictures and am pleased to accept commissions for wildlife or pet portraits”.