$9,900.00
Scratching the Surface (Alberts Lyrebird Hen) Original Acrylic on Claybord 75cm x 47cm – SOLD
James Inspiration: “Hidden amongst the lush greenery of Australia’s subtropical rainforest of the Border Ranges James captured photos of the Albert’s lyrebird hen (Menura alberti). It is one of Australia’s most elusive and fascinating native birds. “Scratching the Surface” depicts the female Albert’s lyrebird as she carefully scratches through the forest floor in search of insects and other small creatures. With one foot lifted and her long tail feathers trailing gracefully behind her, she appears completely absorbed in her search, offering us a rare glimpse into the natural behaviour of this remarkable bird.
Her rich chestnut-brown plumage, delicate cream-coloured breast and distinctive dark blue-grey head create a striking contrast against the vibrant greens of her rainforest surroundings. Moss-covered tree trunks, glossy foliage, tangled grasses and a scattering of fallen leaves provide a wonderfully detailed setting, capturing the atmosphere of the cool, damp forest floor. The softer, misty background gives a sense of depth and distance, while the intricate details of the bird draws attention to her inquisitive nature and graceful movement.
Albert’s lyrebird is found only in a restricted area of south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, inhabiting dense subtropical rainforest and adjoining wet eucalypt forests. Places such as Lamington National Park, the Border Ranges and the Nightcap Ranges provide important habitat for this special Australian species. Unlike the more familiar superb lyrebird, Albert’s lyrebird has a much smaller distribution and is rarely encountered, making this sighting particularly special for me to experience it in its natural habitat.”
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
Out of stock
