About Kahli

About Me

Thanks for stopping by! I'm Kahli from Wheelbarrow Road Art.

I am an award-winning Australian artist based in regional Braidwood, New South Wales, creating artwork through my studio, Wheelbarrow Road Art. Working primarily in acrylic and watercolour, my paintings explore the beauty of Australian wildlife and the connection we share with the natural world. I am passionate about encouraging people—especially children—to notice and appreciate the native wildlife living alongside us every day. My rural upbringing continues to strongly influence my work, with farm life and farm animals also featuring throughout my paintings.

I began painting in 2017 while creating a piece for my son's room. What started as a personal project quickly grew into a significant creative practice, with commission requests soon following. I balance family life alongside my art practice, and now that my children are a little older, I am able to dedicate more time and energy to creating new work. My distinctive style combines soft, atmospheric backgrounds with highly detailed focal points that capture the individuality and character of each subject. While I often work with natural, muted tones, I also enjoy experimenting with vibrant colour palettes—the constant across my work is a strong focus on the wildlife itself.

My work has been recognised through exhibitions, awards and public art commissions across regional New South Wales. In 2025, I was honoured to receive the Bendigo Bank x QPRC Art Awards Mayor's Acquisitive Heritage Art Award for my painting Burrow and Beyond. That same year, I presented my first major solo exhibition, Shared Spaces: The Wildlife Next Door, at Rusten House Art Centre in Queanbeyan, exploring the often-overlooked relationships between people and the wildlife living alongside our towns and homes. I was also featured in a four-page artist profile in Q Living Magazine.

In 2026, my painting A Familiar Flight was selected for the Bendigo Bank x QPRC Art Awards exhibition and was shortlisted among the Top 10 artworks in the Viewer's Choice Award. I was also awarded the People's Choice Award at the QPRC Mini Art Exhibition for my artwork Sunshine.

Alongside my studio practice, I enjoy connecting with the community through artist talks, live painting demonstrations, mentorship opportunities, and creative collaborations. I have worked with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council on public art projects, including a commissioned Christmas reindeer sculpture that is displayed annually in Braidwood's main street.

Work With Me

I am available for commissioned artwork, live wedding painting, artist talks, demonstrations, and creative collaborations. Original artworks and prints are available to purchase through my website. I would also love opportunities to illustrate children's books, explore licensing partnerships, and collaborate on projects that celebrate Australia's unique wildlife and landscapes.

If you'd like to discuss a project or commission, I'd love to hear from you.

Kahli McLeod
Wheelbarrow Road Art