I knew with Coco that I had an opportunity to uniquely illustrate the “feeling” that exists between Kookaburras and locals. How amazing that there is a creature known first by its laugh and then by its beauty, poise, cheekiness, and character. Well, I just HAD to try and capture it. I wasn’t even intimidated; I was excited, like a kid up next at show-and-tell day at school! I wanted, needed, to share this little lady with the world. So I drew her at an iconic size and gave her an icon’s name.

Queen of the gumtrees

Regal, serene, and utterly self-assured, Coco captures the quiet charisma of the kookaburra, her feathers dusted with soft blues and earthy browns that shimmer against a backdrop of dawn-light haze. Every detail, from the glisten in her gaze to the delicate down of her chest, invites you closer.

This portrait is a study in grace and personality — a celebration of Australia's most iconic laugh without the noise, just presence. Coco doesn’t perform; she perches, poised and unbothered, bringing a grounded elegance to any space she graces. Drawn with hyper-realistic detail and heart, she’s not just a bird — she’s a character, a moment, a mood.

Drawing Coco

Well, sheesh, it was just so gosh damn fun! The feathers were incredibly beautiful to draw. Playing with that blue colour, hints of orange, and those deep chocolates. I loved every moment.

Honestly, I can’t think of anything else to tell you… it was just a beautiful experience and I was energised the whole way through. Oh my god. It was the coffee. …since moving back to Australia I have become a coffee drinker… ha! Well there you go kids, this drawing is brought to you by the magical hands of Australian coffee.

I was surprised at how fun it was to draw Coco. Every section of her is a different pattern, style of detail.

The Original Edition

Coco exists as a singular, one-of-a-kind, large-scale statement piece. Measuring at 84.1 x 118.9 cm, this A0 framed Original Edition is exclusively available through Red Hill Gallery.

Printed on luxurious 320gsm French-made cotton rag with a textured cold-press finish, Coco is designed to endure. Using 12-colour Canon Lucia EX pigment inks, this museum-quality work holds an archival life of over 100 years. The drawing is hand-signed and comes with a signed and dated Certificate of Authenticity.

Professionally framed in a refined oak woodgrain moulding, Coco is protected by premium UV70% Art Glass—anti-glare with excellent UV resistance. Ready to hang, this Original Edition is a timeless statement piece crafted to be treasured for generations.

Take a close look

I hope that when I say this, you’ll understand: the images you see below (or above) do not do this magnificent lady justice. Nothing compares to the impact, the tactility, the somehow soft yet vibrant colours, the luxurious framing, and the sheer beauty of seeing Coco in the flesh.

That said, let’s take a moment for the details. Soak in the colour. Melt over the texture. Gaze at the patterns. Marvel over the intricate detail.