Wildprints Chris McClelland

Wildprints Chris McClelland Hand-drawn wildlife art by Chris McClelland for tourism, homesteads & lodges. He has had no formal training.

Chris McClelland is famous for his unique, fine and intricate pencil drawings of African and Australian wildlife, which is quite a contrast to his previous career. He spent the last 40 years managing large Australian sheep and cattle stations, one, which ran 40,000 sheep. Through this work he developed a strong understanding of animal behaviour from observing Australian native animals on the stati

on. His natural talent for drawing was recognized early, and he drew horses for a hobby. But he grew up with a fascination for Africa, inherited from his parents, and on his first trip there in 1994, with wife Margie, a respected photographer, he fell in love with the continent. He began writing reviews and drawing wildlife and lodges for The African Safari Magazine. Africa stimulated his sense of sight, smell and sound and he “found its heartbeat deafening.”

No other place on earth has the variety and numbers of such visible wildlife, and McClelland has since made ten trips to Africa, witnessing the powerful and unstoppable force of nature. He believes he has managed to gather Africa’s spirit and soul to fuel his desire to draw and paint the people, places and wildlife of the country with all of its harshness, savagery and beauty. He has spent hours studying his subjects in their natural habitat, observing their movements, and noting the interactions between predator and prey. He uses sketches, photographs, video footage and his own well-honed powers of observation as reference to accurately portray the behaviour and anatomy of his animals. He draws them with such fine detail that each of his drawings can take up to 300 hours. Coming from the land and pioneering stock himself, he believes that the spirit of the Australian bush and the African bushveld is a part of him, and he finds it easy to become one with it. Chris is now receiving many awards in Australia for his extraordinary detailed wildlife drawings using of graphite and coloured pencils. The opening of the Chris McClelland Gallery/Studio at 84 Lachlan Street in Hay is attracting a large number of visitors to view his wonderful drawings and observe him drawing. His living drawings are greatly sought after by discerning collectors.

A very fit man for his age to reach this area!
26/05/2026

A very fit man for his age to reach this area!

The many hats I’ve worn over the years 🎩🤠🧢Some hats were chosen for the job. Some for the weather. Some just because I l...
21/04/2026

The many hats I’ve worn over the years 🎩🤠🧢

Some hats were chosen for the job. Some for the weather. Some just because I liked them. But when I look back, they remind me of the many roles I’ve had through life.

Artist. Creator. Traveller. Observer. Storyteller. Problem solver. Dreamer. Hard worker.

Every hat has its own story, just like every drawing and every piece of art I create. From time spent in the studio to adventures in the bush, I’ve always believed there’s beauty in the details and a story worth capturing.

The hats may have changed over the years… but the passion for art never has.

Which hat do you think suits me best? 👇

Hi everyone, I wanted to share an update. As you know I’ve recently closed the gallery space here in Hay. It’s been a gr...
17/04/2026

Hi everyone, I wanted to share an update. As you know I’ve recently closed the gallery space here in Hay. It’s been a great chapter, and I’m really grateful for all the support, conversations, and people who walked through the doors over that time. The good news is - the drawing doesn’t stop!! …I’m still creating every day from home and will be flying my red flag outside when we are open. Address: 304 Lang St, South Hay. Thanks again to everyone who’s supported me - it means more than you know. Chris

G’day everyone,I wanted to share a bit of an update.I’ve recently closed the gallery space here in Hay. It’s been a grea...
06/04/2026

G’day everyone,

I wanted to share a bit of an update.

I’ve recently closed the gallery space here in Hay. It’s been a great chapter, and I’m really grateful for all the support, conversations, and people who walked through the doors over that time.

The good news is - the work doesn’t stop.

I’m currently on the lookout for a new space. It might be another gallery, a shared space, or something a little different… I’m open to seeing where it leads.

In the meantime, I’m still creating every day from home and will be flying my flag outside when we are open. Address: 304 Lang St, South Hay

If anyone knows of a space, or even a local business that might be open to having some artwork on their walls, I’d really appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.

Thanks again to everyone who’s supported me - it means more than you know.

Chris

I’m very honoured to share that I’ve been awarded the Drawing Award at the Edward River Easter Art Show in Deniliquin th...
04/04/2026

I’m very honoured to share that I’ve been awarded the Drawing Award at the Edward River Easter Art Show in Deniliquin this week for my Guinea Fowl piece.

This drawing came from spending time quietly observing these birds — their movement, their structure, and their character. I’ve always believed that if you take the time to truly watch wildlife, they will tell you everything you need to know. Capturing that honesty on paper is what I strive for.

The original artwork is now available for anyone who would like to own this piece
👉 https://www.wildprints.com.au/warehouse-originals-limited-editions-standard-products/original_art_products/1-mw48xzc-qpo

And for something a little more everyday, it’s also available on a mug
👉 https://www.wildprints.com.au/warehouse-merch/standard_products/2-ba4l3-ofe8o

Thank you to everyone who continues to support my work — it means a great deal.

Chris

31/03/2026

Just in case…Everyone, stay safe. Big day tomorrow. It’s official. Signed at 6:00am. It was even on TV. Mine really turned blue. Don't forget that tomorrow marks the start of the new Facebook rule (also known as Meta), which allows them to use your photos. Don't forget the deadline is today!!!

According to the show 60 Minutes:

Just in case you missed it: a lawyer advised us to post this. The violation of privacy can be punished by law. NOTE: Facebook Meta is now a public entity. Every member must post a note like this. If you do not publish a statement at least once, it will be technically understood that you are allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in your profile status updates.

I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I DO NOT GIVE MY PERMISSION FOR FACEBOOK OR META TO USE ANY OF MY PERSONAL DATA.

Hold your finger anywhere in this message and “copy” will appear. Click “copy. Then go to your page, create a new post, and place your finger anywhere in the empty field. “Paste” will appear, and click paste.

19/03/2026

The studio is where it all begins.

Quiet moments. Focus. And the slow, deliberate process of turning a blank canvas into something meaningful.

Chris is currently working on a new commission - a piece that will soon become part of someone’s home, their story, their everyday life.

There’s something powerful about creating art that’s made just for you.

Some commissions carry a special story.Recently I was asked to draw the old Nap Nap Station tank stand near Hay, NSW. Th...
16/03/2026

Some commissions carry a special story.

Recently I was asked to draw the old Nap Nap Station tank stand near Hay, NSW. The managers of the station had cared for Nap Nap for 25 years and were preparing to retire. The manager’s wife asked if I could draw the tank stand three times, one original drawing for each of their children.

Structures like this might seem simple, but they hold decades of memories - work done, seasons passed, and the life of a station.

Not long ago, their friends had also commissioned me to draw the Nap Nap homestead, so it was very meaningful for the family to have these pieces recorded as part of their history.

When the drawings were finished, the parents were absolutely thrilled knowing each of their children would have a piece of Nap Nap to keep.

It is always an honour for me to draw places like this. Often it’s not just a building or a structure - it’s a lifetime of memories captured in pencil.

If you have a property, homestead or place that means something to your family, I’m always happy to discuss commission drawings.

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”Today 3rd March is World Wildlife Day World Wildlife Day...
03/03/2026

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

Today 3rd March is World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day (WWD) is observed annually to celebrate the world's wild fauna and flora, raise awareness of their benefits, and fight against species loss. Proclaimed by the UN in 2013 to coincide with the adoption of CITES in 1973, it focuses on conservation, sustainability, and tackling illegal wildlife trade.

Featuring 'The Hunters Five'
https://www.wildprints.com.au/warehouse-originals-limited-editions-standard-products/limited_edition_art_products/thehuntersfive-limited

and Sovereignity in Peril Room
https://www.wildprints.com.au/warehouse-originals-limited-editions-standard-products/limited_edition_art_products/sovernityinperil-limited

Our new Wildprints website is now live.If you love wildlife, rural heritage, and artwork created by hand - this is for y...
01/03/2026

Our new Wildprints website is now live.

If you love wildlife, rural heritage, and artwork created by hand - this is for you.

Every Wildprints piece is individually drawn, not digitally generated. Real pencil. Real detail. Real time.

To celebrate the launch:

Sign up to our newsletter and receive 20% off your first order.

On the new site you can:

• Browse available originals
• Purchase fine art prints
• Enquire about commissions
• Stay updated on exhibitions

Visit now and join our community of wildlife collectors.
www.wildprints.com.au

Address

Gallery/Studio @ 95 Lachlan Street
Hay, NSW
2711

Opening Hours

Monday 1:30pm - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 1:30pm - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12:30pm

Telephone

+61427873122

Website

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