For those who would like to know a little more about Catherin McMillan and her wildlife art this will hopefully give you a little more background.
I live on the beautiful banks of the Shoalhaven River about 2 1/2hours drive south of Sydney with my husband and 2 daughters.
I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. My father was a keen oil painter later in life and I'm sure this love of art was passed on to me.
I studied watercolour at Wellaway Private Art School for 3 years. These lessons we're a gift from my husband who thankfully encouraged me to persue my art. Now I am realising my dream of being a full time professional artist.
I undertook a 2 year certificate IV drawing course and this was where I was introduced to soft pastels. Whilst I have worked in a variety of mediums I always seem to come back to pastels. I love the look and feel of this wonderful medium.
My artwork has always reflected my love of animals. Drawing animals is what my husband calls my passion. I'm lucky enough that I can pursue this and create wonderul drawings of both domestic compaions and wildlife. Through out 2006 I have donated a number of works to rescue societies in the Australia, USA, France and the UK.
I have always had a fascination for animals and they way they move, drawing these wonderful creatures that inhabit our world with us seemed the logical thing for me to do.
No matter what the animal they all have a personality of there own. This is what I aim to capture in my drawings. Bringing the to life on the paper before me. Sometimes I'm amazed that when I have finished a drawing that I've actually created it. I'm sure the animals themselves have a helping hand in their images.
In 2005 I was invited by Dr John Baker the founder of the Baker Institute in Sydney Australia to become the Inaugral Artist in Residence. My wildlife art now adorns the offices of the Institute for people to view and purchase.
2006 has seen a new venture with my artwork. Some of my artwork is also now available as blank gift cards. I also became a member of the Art Helping Animals. A group of professional artists helping rescue animals both domestic and wild throught there artwork
2007 has held many new adventures one of which is being accepted as a member of WABA Wildlife and Botanical Artists Association. With many works going to support both wildlife and domestic animals in need. MONA chimpanzee and Primate Rescue has now become my main wildlife charity.
I have also had my first article published (written by very supportive husband Laurence) in Urban Tails Magazine Spring Edition.
Because of my love of animals both Great and Small I created my Animal Art House dedicated to Pet and Wildlife artwork. Red Dog Place has been created to soley showcase my wildlife work.
2008 has seen my work on the cover of The Animal World magazine in the USA.
My youngest daughter Penelope is also a keen artist and has already won a number of art competitions both in Australia and Overseas. I have dedicated a gallery to her work all of which is available for merchandisin.
I hope you enjoy looking at my work as much as I enjoyed creating it.
Please visit again as new work is always being added.
email: catherin@reddogplace.com
home: 02 4447 1513 mobile: 040 161 9884