John Hansen - Self Taught Artist & Bird Photographer

I am a local boy from the beautiful country town of Orange NSW Australia. Growing up in the country, I have always had a keen interest in our wonderful native wildlife. Being retired now for 10 years, I have been able to spend more time with my two favourite hobbies - Art and Photography.
I have always loved to paint and draw and growing up I enjoyed lots of support with my from my family and friends. Up until I got into bird photography I mainly painted Australian landscapes in oils or pastels.

I actually only took up bird photography during Covid when I was recovering from Heart surgery. I soon found myself hooked on trying to take photographs of birds while taking my daily walks.

My Inspiration has to be our beautiful Australian landscapes and wildlife. I am at my happiest and most relaxed when I have an opportunity to wandering around our native forests, observing the wildlife and enjoying the peace and quiet that comes with what some call ‘forest therapy’.

I am a strong believer in the health benefits of Immersing oneself in the calming and restorative atmosphere of forests and other natural environments.
An added benefit for me is it provides much of the inspiration for my creative endeavours in art and photography.

Up until I got into bird photography I mainly painted Australian landscapes in oils or pastels. So naturally, it wasn’t long before I started to want to paint my favourite photographs of the birds I observed, only this time I wanted to try my hand at a new medium for me…watercolours.