Gus McKinnon has always been an artist of sorts, but it’s a talent he’s kept mostly to himself ... until recently.
Normally just creating for himself, Gus took a leap and entered the Deniliquin Easter Art Show for the first time in 2018.
He won a category prize that year and followed it up with an acquisitive prize in 2019.
And so his confidence of exhibiting publicly grew.
At this weekend’s art show, Gus has four works entered.
Each of them is a pencil drawing of his favourite subject - birds.
“There’s one Azure Kingfisher, two different robin species and one Spotted Pardalote.
“Each is about A3 in size.”
Each of Gus’ drawings takes between 80 and 100 hours to complete, depending on the detail.
Photography is another artistic outlet of his, with many of the drawings based off the snaps he takes in the local forests and bushland.
After getting his start at the Rotary Easter Art Show, Gus now sells his drawings and photos, and has since also started exhibiting at Deniliquin’s Cotton Gum Gallery.
He’s also planning to enter a national competition for the first time this year - the National Bird Art Awards.
“The Deniliquin Art Show in 2018 was the first time I’d ever exhibited any of my work; I thought it was time to put it out there, and I also wanted to be part of an event which supports the arts and supports the community at the same time.
“The art show showcases local artists of all abilities, and the gala night is always great to attend.
“You can mingle with and speak to the artists.
“It would be good to see more local artists involved in the art show from now on, particularly younger local artists.”
Gus says he was about 11 when he first picked up the pencils and started drawing “rough stuff”.
He has honed his talents ever since, with some advice from family members.
And his thoughts are, why not draw what you’re interested in.
“I’ve been interested in birds and wildlife, ever since I was a young kid.
“In my spare time I am always out in the bush and when I bought my camera five years ago I was more keen to capture what I see out there.
“My aunty was also a bit of an inspiration though. She (Fiona McKinnon) is a botanical artist based in Melbourne, and teaches as well.
“She really got me interested and encouraged me, offering advice along the way about techniques and what materials to use.”
Gus’ artworks and others entered into the Rotary Easter Art Show open to the general public this Friday, although you can get a sneak peak by attending Thursday night’s gala opening.
It will be held from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Deniliquin Multi Arts Centre in Cressy St. The entry fee is $20, which includes drinks and nibbles.
General entry on the other days of the exhibition is $5.
Opening hours are as follows:
Good Friday - noon to 4pm.
Easter Saturday - 10am to 5pm.
Easter Sunday - 10am to 5pm.
Easter Monday - 10am to noon.
The Rotary Easter Art Show is hosted by Deniliquin Rotary and the Edward River Art Society.
For more information, go to www.edwardriverartsociety.com.au or call Pam Wettenhall on 0458 423 871.
To view more of Gus’ work, look up McKinnon Wildlife Art and Photography on Facebook and @gusses_gallery on Instagram.