
A walk on the wild side
Paul Margocsy (born August 1945) is an acclaimed Australian wildlife artist renowned for his stunning watercolor paintings of birds and animals.
​Despite being a self-taught artist with no formal art training, Paul has become one of the most celebrated figures in wildlife art, captivating audiences around the world with his meticulous attention to detail and lifelike portrayals of birds and other wildlife.
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As a child, Paul had a natural love for drawing, but with no formal art training or direction, his early creative interests were largely self-guided. After completing school, he began working as a window dresser at Myer in Melbourne, a position that would later hone his eye for detail and composition. However, in 1966, his career path took a detour when he was conscripted into the Australian Army. Paul served overseas for one year, fulfilling his military duty during a turbulent period in history. Upon his return to civilian life, Paul married in 1974, and soon began exploring his artistic talents in a new direction. He initially painted murals for children’s nurseries, a role that combined his artistic skills with a desire to bring joy to young audiences. However, it was in 1978, when he became captivated by wildlife art, that his true artistic voice began to emerge. With no formal training in wildlife illustration, Paul embarked on a self-taught journey, spending years researching ornithology and experimenting with various techniques to perfect his craft. ​
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Throughout his career, Paul has exhibited his work both in Australia and internationally, with solo exhibitions held in cities such as London, Osaka, and Hong Kong. His works have also been showcased at prestigious institutions like the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in the United States. Margocsy’s artistic journey has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple "Best Painting" awards from the Wildlife Art Society of Australia.
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His books, The Art of Paul Margocsy and Away With the Birds, give readers a glimpse into his world and showcase his stunning portfolio of wildlife art.
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Paul's work continues to be celebrated for its vibrant color, precise detail, and life-like quality. In 2023, one of his pieces was selected as a finalist in the Bluethumb Art Prize, further highlighting his enduring relevance in the world of contemporary wildlife art.
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Paul’s work and dedication to his craft have made him a beloved figure in the world of wildlife art, and his paintings are highly prized by collectors and wildlife enthusiasts.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
1994 | United Nations | Special Edition Stamp Endangered Species Series released in Vienna and New York
1991 | Australia Post | Special Edition Stamp Waterbird Series
AWARDS
2023 | Bluethumb | Finalist
1984 | Wildlife Art Society of Australasia | Best Painting
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PUBLICATIONS
2010 | Magazine | Art in watercolour
2009 | Book | Away with the birds
1991 | Book | The Art of Paul Margocsy
1990 | Book | 70 of the best traditional living artists in Australia​
EXHBITIONS
1984 to 95 Wildlife Art Society of Australasia: Best Exhibit (x2)
1991 exhibition at Melbourne House in London
1992 and 1993 Featured artist at Omell Galleries, London
1993 Best Wildlife exhibit: Camberwell Rotary Art Show
1994 and 1995 exhibition at Koerton Gallery, Wisconsin USA
1994,1995 and 2001, exhibition at Landmarks Gallery, Wisconsin USA
1995 and 1996 Leigh Yawkey Woodsen Birds in Art exhibition, Wisconsin, USA.
1996 and 1997 exhibition Osaka, Japan
1996 and 1998 exhibition Raffles Hotel, Singapore
2004 exhibition at Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, Texas USA
2005 - 2020 exhibition at Kevin Hill's Top Ten Artist's, Sydney, NSW
2006 exhibition at Art Beatus Gallery, Hong Kong
2008 book launch at Jenny Pihan Fine Art Gallery, Victoria Australia
2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 exhibition at Red Hill Gallery, Brisbane, Queensland
2009 exhibition at Delshan Gallery, Melbourne
2009, 2010, 2012, 2017, exhibition at Jenny Pihan Fine Art Gallery, Melbourne
2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 exhibition at Old Post Office, Seymour, VIC
2010, 2012 exhibition at Boyd Fine Art Gallery, Camden, NSW
2010 exhibition at Mckenzies Gallery, Perth, WA
2012 exhibition at David Sumner Gallery, Adelaide, SA
2012, 2013, 2015, 2017 exhibition at Yallingup Gallery, WA
2014, 2016, 2018 exhibition at Lost Bear Gallery, Katoomba, NSW
2015 Zig Zag Gallery, Perth, WA
2015, 2016 exhibition at South Yarra Art House, VIC
2016, 2018, 2020 exhibition at Malvern Arts Society, VIC with Jenny Pihan Fine Art
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2016 exhibition at Boathouse Gallery, VIC
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2014, 2016, 2019 exhibition at Seaview Gallery, VIC
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Paul Margocsy 'A walk on the wild side'