Catherine Lidden spent her early years as a teacher before becoming a full-time artist. She works from her studio in Fullerton, New South Wales, Australia, creating realistic wildlife portraits in oil or pastel that capture the essence and personality of her subjects. Drawn to the textures of feathers, fur, teeth and claws, Lidden focuses on the details that accentuate the individual characteristics of each creature. 
Mouthwatering!, pastel on paper, 8 x 12"
Her pastel Mouthwatering depicts a close-up view of a tawny frogmouth, a big-headed bird similar in appearance to an owl, that dwells in mainland Australia and Tasmania. “These birds are so fascinating and their feathers are quite unique. Spending time with this beautiful bird was amazing. They are a master of camouflage, and although nocturnal, are not owls. As usual, I start with that gorgeous eye to give him life. The streaked and mottled plumage can be tricky, but I found I could combine colored pencils to add those particularly fine lines,” she explains.
What a Buzz!, pastel on paper, 14 x 18"
One Of The Gang, pastel on paper, 14 x 14"
A black-breasted buzzard cocks its head inquisitively in What a Buzz!. “This bird was incredibly curious and thought that my camera was the most interesting thing he’d seen and followed my every movement,” Lidden recalls. “I loved the light falling on his eye and feathers...I started with the eye and worked outwards doing detailed areas first, then onto the out of focus areas.”
Above all, the artist says she hopes that she can “show people the beauty and vulnerability that exists not only in the lesser-known species, but also the common wildlife around us.” —
Powered by Froala Editor
