Dear Fellow Wildlife Lover

This month I want to talk about an animal that I think sometimes gets overlooked. I’m going to share the story behind “Outback Dawn” - a Kangaroo joey.  

I think our most recognised and iconic Australian animals can sometimes be dismissed as a subject for an artwork.  The humble kangaroo can be seen as too common, too familiar, not quite interesting enough when there are quokkas, gliders and quolls competing for attention. And admittedly, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to your favourite Australian animals. 

But I love all our wildlife - big or small, boisterous or timid, ferocious or cute, well-known or rare. And a little Red Kangaroo Joey, it turns out, can stop you dead in your tracks just as effectively as anything else. 

My inspiration behind this cute little Kangaroo joey came from a trip to Central Australia with my husband, Paul. We decided to go on a short holiday - only 3 nights - to the Red Centre. Timed around Paul’s birthday. I may have quietly turned it into something of a field trip, my camera gear came along for the ride.  

We couldn’t have timed it better. Recent rain had transformed the desert landscape into a sea of wildflowers. On a hike at Kata Tjuta, the orange glow from the extraordinary rock formations was reflected in everything around us. It was so inspirational, an artist’s dream – the kind of light you want to paint.

I was inspired to create a painting of a little Red Kangaroo joey amongst the beautiful soft colour tones of Hairy Mulla Mulla – a beautiful native plant that was blooming all around us - in that perfect morning light. 

The result is a painting with a colour palette I rarely use. Soft mauves and pinks and warm golds, a gentleness that is not often associated with the red outback. It surprised me a little, to be honest. Sometimes a painting takes you somewhere you weren’t expecting to go.

“Outback Dawn” was painted in October 2023, only a few weeks after our trip. I was thrilled when it became part of a small homewares range through Ashdene – mugs, coasters and trays featuring this little joey. It’s one of my personal favourites from this Ashdene collection. 

Finally – where is my ant! 

He’s in there - keeping quiet company with the joey and Hairy Mulla Mulla. I’ll give you a hint: look at the flower stems in the lower left of the painting – he’s sitting just below and to the left of the joey’s nose, on one of the Hairy Mulla. I hope you enjoyed the story behind this painting. Until next month, I hope spring is treating you well and wildlife around you is thriving.

 

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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 Outback Dawn in all sizes and mediums.

Use code OUTBACK30 at checkout.

Valid until 15 October 2026.

Outback Dawn

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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. Every membership makes a difference.

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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.

5% of profits from every membership supports Port Stephens Koalas and Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue and Hospital.