Wildlife paintings, portraits & pet portraits by New Zealand Artist Karen Neal

"Zealandia Forest Dweller"

(New Zealand Native Forest Parrot)

PASTEL
Original Now Sold


After spending time with these wonderful native parrots on Stewart Island, I fell in love with these cheeky characters and I think may possibly be my most favourite New Zealand native bird!

This reference photo was taken of a North Island Kaka, at Zealandia Eco Sanctuary, near Wellington, a wonderful place to visit - abundant with many New Zealand native birds, free to come and go in a protected predator-free environment. The 225 hectare ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area, 6 of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. 

For those not familiar with Kakas, they are a forest parrot endemic to New Zealand, not to be confused with the closely related mountain parrot, the Kea. Generally heard before they are seen, kaka are large, forest-dwelling parrots that are found on all three main islands of New Zealand and on several offshore islands. Probably fewer than 10,000 birds. Although forest clearance has destroyed all but a fraction of the kaka’s former habitat, the biggest threat to their survival is introduced mammalian predators, particularly the stoat, but also the brushtail possum. Kaka are forest birds that obtain all their food from trees. For more information, please visit www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz

Open Edition Giclee Prints and Fine Art Cards now available.

Kaka native forest parrot bird artwork

Closeup of the painting below

New Zealand Kaka

I used a lot of metallic Pan Pastels to get the lovely copper and red shimmers.
The background has impasto acrylic and metallics also to create a more interesting contemporary feel

I chose a traditional frame, as I felt it suited him perfectly, both in colouring and the textures. The outer frame is a wide dark oak frame, with a complimentary inner dark wood frame.

kaka new zealand forest parrot

 

 

Detailing of the beautiful framing






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