Description

Title: Large Australian Painting Group of Birds 3 Kookaburras In Bush by Robin Hill

Description: Large Australian Painting Group of Birds 3 Kookaburras In Bush by Robin Hill

Description

Fine Large Australian Watercolour Painting — “Group of Birds 3 Kookaburras” by Robin Hill (1962)

Subject & Medium
We proudly offer this exceptional, rare Australian ornithological artwork: a striking large watercolour and gouache painting titled “Group of 3 Kookaburras”, signed and dated 1962 by the renowned artist Robin Hill.

Depicting three wild Australian kookaburras, perched gracefully on twisting branches in the bush outback, this piece is a masterful blend of natural observation and artistic beauty. Protected under glass and backed with board, it is a true mid-20th-century treasure embodying the essence of Australia’s wildlife art.

Composition & Technique
This large-format painting brilliantly showcases Robin Hill’s exceptional skill in detail, color, and brushwork:

Colour Palette: Soft, natural earth tones — warm browns, creamy whites, muted greys, olive greens, and delicate dusty blues on the eucalyptus leaves. The kookaburras’ plumage shimmers with layered tones of chocolate, cinnamon, and ivory, creating depth and lifelike texture.
Brushstrokes & Technique: Hill’s brushwork is both delicate and precise, using subtle watercolour washes to build feathery softness and fine, detailed strokes to define the sharp beaks, lively eyes, and delicate claws. The branches and leaves flow with organic movement, capturing the stillness and grace of the bush.
Composition: Beautifully balanced, the three birds are thoughtfully positioned across the central branches, guiding the viewer’s eye through the artwork. The clean background enhances the focus on the birds, giving the piece a peaceful, sunlit atmosphere — a moment frozen in time.
Atmosphere: Hill’s watercolour technique delivers a luminous, airy quality, perfectly conveying the quiet beauty and personality of Australia’s beloved kookaburras.

Signature
This original artwork is signed “Robin Hill” and dated 62 (for 1962) in the bottom corner, adding authenticity and collector’s value. The signature marks it as part of Hill’s early and important period, when he was actively gaining recognition for his unique contributions to wildlife art.

About the Artist
Robin Hill (b. 1932, Brisbane) is a celebrated Australian artist, naturalist, and writer known internationally for his detailed paintings of birds and wildlife.
He was trained at the Wimbledon School of Art in England, followed by the National Gallery of Victoria Art School and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology upon his return to Australia.
In the 1960s, Hill became widely recognized as the host of Bush Quest with Robin Hill, a groundbreaking Australian Broadcasting Corporation television series combining birdwatching, field study, and live watercolour painting.
After relocating to the United States in the 1970s, Hill’s works were exhibited at major institutions including the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., with exhibitions cosponsored by the World Wildlife Fund and the Australian Embassy. His works have fetched auction prices up to $17,000 and remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

About the Frame
The painting is housed in a handsome vintage frame with a classic linen slip, which beautifully complements the natural tones and delicate brushwork of the artwork. While the frame shows general wear, minor scuffs, stains, and small chip losses consistent with its age, it retains a charming authenticity that adds to the piece’s vintage appeal. The frame comes complete with a hanging thread on the back, ready for immediate display in your home or collection.

Dimensions Framed
Height (with frame): 80.5 cm
Width (with frame): 61.5 cm
Depth (frame thickness): 3.5 cm
A commanding display size, ideal for making a statement on any art wall or in any fine collection.

Provenance
From a private collection
A notable southern auction house
Curated and vetted by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

Why You’ll Love It
A rare, signed original by an acclaimed Australian wildlife artist
Exquisite ornithological subject — three beautifully detailed kookaburras
Large, eye-catching size perfect for display
A meaningful acquisition for wildlife art lovers, bird enthusiasts, or collectors of Australian fine art
Ready to hang and display, adding instant charm and historical richness to your space

Condition Report
Artwork surface in fine condition
Foxing (light spotting) present in places, typical of its age
Vintage frame shows age-related wear, scuffs, stains, and minor chip losses, adding to its antique authenticity

Reserve: $8,100.00

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Location: This item ships from United Kingdom

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In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

Condition

Used

Buyer's Premium

20%

Large Australian Painting Group of Birds 3 Kookaburras In Bush by Robin Hill

Name: Large Australian Painting Group of Birds 3 Kookaburras In Bush by Robin Hill
Brand: Robin Hill
SKU: 231882402
Price: 4000 USD
Availability: InStock