Dear Fellow Wildlife Lovers

I love little wombats. I really do. So this month I wanted to share the story behind Afternoon Explorer — because it came together in the most unexpected way.

🐜 · · · 🐜 · · · 🐜

This Month: Afternoon Explorer

I'm really thankful that I live in the rural countryside of the Hunter Valley. Country driving sparks my creative mind more than almost anything else. I'm constantly amazed at how many ideas for future paintings develop on the way to town for groceries — a hollow in an old Eucalyptus tree, the morning light filtering through the bushland, an Eastern Rosella perched on an old timber fence post. I make a lot of mental notes, and then jot them down when I get home.

Another unexpected burst of inspiration came from logging hours as a teacher-passenger for a learner driver. Those of you who've been through this particular adventure will understand exactly what I mean — the many, many hours it takes! Thankfully my son loves country drives as much as I do, and together we explored a lot of tiny winding roads around home that I'd never ventured down before.

It was on one of those drives that I found the scene for this painting.

The afternoon light was perfect on a ridge just above Martin's Creek — a small town only minutes from home. I grabbed my phone and snapped a few shots. (I'd forgotten my digital camera, but phone shots make wonderful references too.) I already knew exactly which wombat photo I was going to use — a young joey I'd photographed on a family trip to Tasmania a couple of years earlier. The lighting angle and warmth matched perfectly.

Sometimes a painting comes together from references far and wide. This was one of those times.

🐜 · · · 🐜 · · · 🐜

The Blue-banded Bee

You'll notice there's a Blue-banded Bee in the painting. I decided to add him simply to give our little wombat friend something to look at. I love creating interaction between subjects — it brings a sense of life and curiosity to the scene that I find endlessly satisfying.

Afternoon Explorer was painted in September 2023. The original is 28 × 35cm, acrylic on Claybord.

🐜 · · · 🐜 · · · 🐜

The Ant

The ant isn't very easy to find in this one. I won't give too much away — but I'm sure you'll find him eventually. Take your time. He's patient.

🐜 · · · 🐜 · · · 🐜

Next Month

Next month's letter takes a different direction again — I'll be sharing another painting with its own story behind it. More soon.

Until then, I hope August is treating you and the wildlife around you well.

Your Members-Only Discount This Month

As a Hidden Ant Society member, you receive an exclusive monthly discount on the featured artwork.

This month: 30% off Afternoon Explorer in all sizes and mediums.

Use code EXPLORER30 at checkout.
Valid until 15 September 2026.Shop Afternoon Explorer here:

🐜 · · · 🐜 · · · 🐜

A Note on What Your Membership Supports

5% of the profits from every Hidden Ant Society membership goes directly to Port Stephens Koalas and Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue and Hospital — organisations caring for injured and orphaned native wildlife across NSW. This month's little wombat feels like a fitting reminder of why that matters.

🐜 · · · 🐜 · · · 🐜

You are receiving this letter as a member of The Hidden Ant Society.

If you need to make any changes to your membership, please contact us at ant-society@natalieparkerprints.com.au.