Wedge-Tailed Eagles have always astounded and captivated me with their majestic beauty and powerful presence. This artwork was inspired by a sighting on a rather bleak and gusty winter's day at our rural NSW property. With the gale perhaps masking the sound of my approach, the Eagle almost seems startled to encounter me. In that moment, the typically sleek and beautiful raptor instead appeared almost exactly as I felt - rather cold, a touch grumpy, and overall, a little ruffled by the wild weather conditions. The artwork was completed with graphite pencils. Reference photograph credit to the talented Dean Hohn.

Lisa Kennedy is a birds and wildlife artist originally hailing from Grafton NSW. Lisa typically works in graphite, coloured pencil and mixed media to create detailed and realistic depictions of the natural world. Her fascination with animals began at a young age, and she has always felt drawn to conveying the wildness of her subject matter. Although seriously considering a degree in Fine Arts, she instead completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney. Despite this, drawing and the act of creating continued to remain a resounding passion and essential undercurrent of her daily being. At times this creative outlet was excellent stress relief and escape from the pressure of academic study. Following the completion of her studies, Lisa moved to Mudgee NSW to work as a mixed practice veterinarian. As both an artist and a veterinarian, Lisa feels passionately about wildlife, and views her art practice as a means of documenting, depicting and celebrating our native Australian fauna. Her experiences as a veterinarian allows unique opportunities to get up close and personal with her wild subject matter, forging a deep connection that not only inspires but drives the inner need to create and convey their beauty. It also facilitates excellent reference photographs. A lot of her artworks are based on real life patients and first-hand animal encounters. Today, Lisa, her husband and daughters, run a beef property in Lue, NSW. The wide array of birdlife on their property provides continuous inspiration for her artworks.

*Please note artwork will not be shipped until after the 2024 Finalist Exhibition which ends in mid-October 2024.