A life-long pursuit of birds in picture will be on show when world renowned artist Paul Margoscy arrives in Ballarat on Saturday.
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The Melbourne-based artist’s latest work depicting the colourful lives of birds will be exhibited at Art House Gallery on Sturt Street until November 18.
An opening with Mr Margoscy will be hosted from 12.30pm-2.30pm on Saturday.
Mr Margoscy said he was excited for the opportunity to speak about his work with patrons at the gallery.
“I just enjoy showing my work to people who haven't seen it,” he said,
“There will be people walking to the gallery saying, wow ‘I haven't seen this before’.
“There will be questions, people asking me ‘where did you see this, how did you do it?’ And I can explain when I am there how I go about doing it, how I go about choosing background colours and things like that.”
Viewers will be impressed with Mr Margoscy life-like representation and expressive birds.
The self-taught artist has a photographic memory, which means he can recall any animal without having to view it in the wild.
For 35 years he has been painting animals, particularly owls, where he has tried to capture the many personality’s and expressions of the birds.
Mr Margoscy said the more than 300 species of owls were perfect for depicting their character and expressions.
“I love giving them personality they can be quizzical, they can be sleepy or angry, I can give them any kind of look just by turning their head,” he said.
“I have learnt to use a mirror just to emulate what the bird does.
“I have the whole image in my head – after 35 years you can mention any bird or animal and I automatically have it pictured in my head – then begin to put it on the canvas and move it around.
“You are always thinking, is that good, have I got that right?”
Mr Margoscy’s highly decorated history in art has creating stamps for Australia post, and painting endangered animals for the United Nations.
The diverse work at an international level remained unchanged the way he approached his exhibitions, where painting and explaining his work were key.
“I just enjoy painting and talking to people,” Mr Margoscy said.
“It is essential an artist can talk to people and convey thoughts and ideas, because most people can’t draw a straight line, so they love talking someone who knows how to do it.”
