' W A L K   O N   T H E   W I L D   S I D E'
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	Exhibition opens FRIDAY, 31 MARCH 2000, at 6pm NATALIE JANE PARKER has always been able to draw and her outstanding talent for art obvious from the beginning. But life as a child in the bush - with its abundance of wildlife - influenced her choice of subject matter to the extent that she is little interested in painting anything else.

" The variety, colour and uniqueness of God's creation never ceases to amaze me, and it is a constant challenge to be able to reproduce these with paint and brush. "
	Despite only having worked as a professional wildlife artist for a few short years, Parker has enjoyed sell-out shows, appeared on Australian wildlife program Totally Wild , in Australian Artist magazine and on regional television and radio. She is currently helping to raise funds with the Australian charity World Vision and for Hunter Medical Research. Before picking up a brush, Parker has extensively researched the habitat and personality of the animals she is painting. The Native Animal Trust, which cares for orphaned or injured animals before releasing them back into the wild, is invaluable to her. But photographs, specimens and frequent excursions into the bush, wildlife parks and national parks also provide reference material.
	"Taking time to go into the bush is just as important as the actual artwork," she says. "It refreshes my focus on my work and reminds me how fortunate I am to live in such a great country, full of fascinating animals and beautiful flora which will take more than a lifetime to paint." The exhibition continues until Monday, April 17, 2000
	If you are interested in purchasing artwork by Natalie Jane Parker or organising a commisioned work, please email us or complete our Art Interest Form.