River Ripples

River Ripples (Azure Kingfisher) Original Acrylic on Stretched Canvas 36cm x 46cm

James began his professional career as a full-time engineer specialising in surveying and design before his passion for Australian wildlife and the natural environment led him to pursue art professionally. As a self-taught artist, he combines careful observation with extensive research to create detailed and authentic portrayals of Australia’s native wildlife.

Each artwork begins with the artist’s own field observations, sketches and photographic references, gathered during walks and visits to national parks, bushland reserves and other natural environments across Australia. Rather than relying on a single reference, James may draw upon numerous sketches and photographs to develop the composition, allowing him to capture both the character of the subject and the atmosphere of its natural habitat. Working primarily in acrylic, James creates his paintings through carefully built layers of transparent colour. This technique allows him to develop subtle tonal variations, depth and texture while retaining the fine details characteristic of his wildlife subjects. His artwork has been reproduced as prints, calendars, placemats, coasters and greeting cards, bringing his depictions of Australian wildlife to a wider audience. An international award-winning artist, James has also achieved recognition through Australian Geographic, which has featured 13 of his artworks in its annual calendar since 2020. His continuing work reflects a strong commitment to documenting and celebrating the distinctive wildlife and landscapes of Australia.

Original artwork by James Hough