‘Swifty’ is a beautiful Aussie native Swift Parrot. A bird that visits the Shoalhaven where I live- annually, but sadly is critically endangered. I wanted to paint this cool little bird (fastest parrot in the world!) to bring some attention to their desperate plight, and this guy was my entry into my local art prize Escape Artfest 2019.

There are many many layers of thinned acrylic paint that make up the feathers in this guy, the vibrant colours of his plumage pop beautifully against the navy background and faded Melaleuca bush leaves.