Exuberence of Youth

A typical show of bravado from a young elephant, full of libido, who breaks out of the family herd moving unconcernedly off a waterhole to charge a supposed adversary, maybe an encroaching Kudu or perhaps a safari vehicle full of camera clicking tourists.  In this case his bravado is short-lived as this enlarged beast, ears outstretched, comes to a sudden halt only to mockingly turn-tail and run back to the safety of the herd.  The knowledgeable driver leans back unmoving and chuckles after warning his passengers to remain silent and still.

Drawing finalists – “Animal Wildlife”
ChrisMcClelland’s “Exuberance of Youth”

Chris’s drawing “Exuberance of Youth” has been part of the travelling exhibition “The 2011 Mortimore Art Prize”.  It showcase realism in all it’s  art forms.  The exhibition is worth a visit and comes to your area sometime during the next six months.

 More of Chris’s adventures can be read on our web site under the ”Newsletters” page.

Please leave a comment when you have read some stories, love to hear from you.

Enjoy!

A young bull elephant charging

I thought you might be interested in this bit of excitement when we opened our email this morning, see below. 

 Hi Margie and Chris, 

Just a quick note to congratulate you on winning the Judges Choice Award (as the work was way oversize
they did not feel it should win Best Fauna and asked if we would consider a new award).

The judges especially liked the use of negative spacing and light and shade. 

 ( Have to tell you the kids love the elephants dangly bits…way before the adults see it  

It is a very dramatic drawing. This award is very special for Chris as he did this drawing especially for this exhibition. 

He is thrilled to bits with it.    If you have a chance go and have a look.  

 Queensland Wildlife Artists Society Incorporated organised the
Faber-Castell 250th Anniversary Exhibition  at the Richard Randall Studio Gallery Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens,
Toowong, Brisbane  from 25 June – 3 July 2011 

Chris’s description to go with the drawing

A typical show of bravado from a young elephant, full of libido, who breaks out of the family herd moving unconcernedly off a waterhole to charge a supposed adversary, maybe an encroaching Kudu or perhaps a safari vehicle full of camera clicking tourists.  In this case his bravado is short-lived as this enlarged beast, ears outstretched, comes to a sudden halt only to mockingly turn-tail and run back to the safety of the herd.  The knowledgeable driver leans back unmoving and chuckles after warning his passengers to remain silent and still.

Size of drawing unframed  63 x 66cm        Framed 102cm x 121cm

f11 Exhibition In Hay by Hay Shutterbugs

Hay Shutterbugs camera club are putting on an exhibition called “fII Exhibition” at the old state Bank building in Lachlan Street in Hay over the three days of the long weekend 11th to 13th June 10am to 4pm.  Featured will be some of Doug Jones photos taken over the years.  He has been the Club’s mentor helping members understand light and giving them a lots of encouragement.  The other photographers are Tania Baker, Lhaurie Cox, Aileen Honeyman, Chloe Hwoard, Margie McClelland, Clarie McFarlane, Robyn O’Brien, Filomena Pingiaro, Lita Thronder and Lyn Wells.

ABC Richard Filder with Chris

Wildlife Artist

 Chris McClelland – Wildprints an International Wildlife Artist based in Hay NSW, Australia will be interviewed on “Conversations with Richard Filder” on ABC Local radio on Tuesday, 12th April, @ 11 am.

 Tune in to hear about Chris’s childhood growing up in Sydney, his jackerooing days in the outback, managing sheep/cattle stations, leaving “The Land” after 40 years to showcase his artistic talents with his pencils.  His adventures through Africa, South America and walking the Kokoda Track.  His ability with words, video and pencil.  We don’t really know what Richard will be talking to Chris about but it will be interesting.  Enjoy the programme.  If you miss it you can download it later by podcast  www.abc.net.au/conversations  later on the day.

Thanks goes to Sharni Montgomery for suggesting Chris as an interesting subject.  Click on http://www.sharnanigans.com/ an interesting lady in her own right

Chris receiving his Australia Day Achievement Award

 Below is the Citation on the Australia Day.

Chris is one of Australia’s most celebrated artists and one of the best wildlife artists in the world. Chris is a very modest man who never talks about his achievements. His work is seen in galleries around the world and is much sort after, particularly his African scenes. Chris has a long list of achievements to his name and in November 2010 he was made a Fellow of the Australian Guild of Realist Artists in Melbourne.

Chris makes time to pass on his knowledge by teaching younger members of Hay and he is a volunteer Tai Chi instructor particularly concentrating on those older members of our community who need this skill to strengthen their balance.

Monte says good bye to Sharni as she sets off for her run

Decorations coming out ready for the Christmas in Lachlan Street, Hay

  Hay is getting ready for Christmas inspite of the flood that is coming down the Murrumbidgee River and will peak on the 23rd December.  It isn’t meant to break the levee banks!

I think you can just see the Christmas tree made of barb wire by a local farmers wife who is very good with a welder.  She is very clever.

For those who keep asking about our fabulous web site.  Peter Tory designed it for us and his contact details are on our “Welcome blog”  Also on our Home page of www.wildprints.com.au  be in touch and let him know that you like it.  I have been passing the comments back to him.  Thank you for all your comments i just can’t believe the responce we have been receiving,

Thank you. 

 Margie

Straw-necked Ibis flying in to eat the locusts

“Emu on the go”

Emus always have to run when they see you driving by, sometimes they can dash in front of the car which can give you a fright.  I once was on the road between Hay and Deniliquin when I had a double semi trailer in front of me.  I sat patiently behind knowing that a straight bit of road was coming up and then I would pass the truck.  I just had the nose of the car in front of the truck when this emu dashed out and hit me.  I kept driving as I didn’t want to be behind the truck.  It wasn’t until I reached Hay that I knew I had some serious damage done to the car. I had to make a turn and this terrible noise came.  $6000 later to fix the car!!  The  growth of herbage after all the rain has been fabulous.  Some annual saltbush can be seen here as well.