Inspiration: In the late summer after dusk when the moon comes up it truly is a feast for our wildlife! I’ve been lucky enough to see a Barking Owl up the back of the property, well I heard him first as their call is quite distinctive and I was admiring his hunting skills. I find that most animals feel the energy of the storm rolling in and make the most of it and while there are lots of bugs around in the warm night air, one insect in particular is the Rain Moth. They are rather giant things but very gentle to hold, they are a strong sign of rain to come but until then the owl reigns in these skies.

This piece forms part of a themed collection that is focused on protected, threatened, and endangered Australian species. Through the expansion of European settlement, many species have been displaced by human encroachment, changing fire patterns, victims of predation, or have been exposed to disease. Raising awareness remains as the most significant challenge in the effort to reduce these possible outcomes. These represent the absence of the existence of wildlife in their natural environments.

This series has specifically utilised watercolour, flame and soot to achieve the varying golden browns and charcoal greys present in the finished artwork.