Alycia Wilson

I was drawn to art from a young age, but my interest became more focused through formal study. I completed a Bachelor of Design with minor studies in Visual Arts Practice, which helped shape both my technical skills and conceptual approach across multiple mediums.

I usually work across painting, drawing and textiles, with watercolour, acrylic and crochet as my main mediums. Watercolour is my favourite because it allows for spontaneity while still supporting detail and structure. I haven’t always worked in these mediums; my earlier practice was more design focused before gradually shifting toward fine art, painting and textile-based work.

My style sits between realism and abstraction and is characterised by playful compositions, exaggerated colour and simplified forms. I often combine carefully observed subjects with non-representational, layered backgrounds, and this approach also carries into my textile work through colour, texture and form. Birdlife is a recurring focus in my work, particularly tropical species, as they allow me to explore colour, pattern and variation while working from observation.

My process usually begins with sketching and visual research, followed by painting that develops through experimentation and adjustment. One of my favourite artworks is a vibrant acrylic painting featuring different species of birds of paradise. It was fun and highly colourful, while also being informative through its focus on species variation and detail. The work brings together my interest in birdlife, strong colour and structured composition, and reflects the balance I aim to achieve between visual enjoyment and observation.

A major artistic highlight has been organising my first ever solo exhibitions for the beginning of this year in Melbourne and Yarragon, which has marked an important step in developing a professional and independent practice. Much of my inspiration comes from nature, travel, illustrated books and contemporary

In the future, I would love to undertake overseas artist residencies to study birdlife in different environments. While my work appears light and playful, it is supported by careful planning and observation. Over time, my art has become more confident and expressive, and I see it continuing to grow in scale, material range and complexity.