Sparky began with a request. After seeing Banjo, my Gang-gang cockatoo who went on to win the People's Choice Award at the Thirroul Art Festival 2026, a local couple asked if I could paint a Gang-gang of their own.

He started with a similar feel, that incredible scarlet head and crest emerging against the dark background, but somewhere along the way he became entirely himself. There's something knowing about that eye. Not just cheeky, knowing. And I love the tiny remnants of his last meal still clinging to his beak.

These birds deserve to be seen. Sparky reminded me of that all over again.

Acrylic and oil on canvas · 76 × 102 cm (30 × 36") · Original

Painted from a reference photograph by David C Simon / Shutterstock.