Pop art-inspired willy wagtails taking flight beyond Surf Coast
Mike McLean, a Torquay artist, has gained recognition for his colorful willie wagtail paintings created on reclaimed timber. Initially started as a small project, these artworks have spread globally, appearing in various locations from Japan to Antarctica. The paintings have become a community treasure hunt in Torquay, bringing joy and engagement to residents, especially during the COVID lockdowns.
- ▪Mike McLean began painting willie wagtails on discarded materials about a decade ago.
- ▪His artworks have traveled to numerous countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Antarctica.
- ▪The willie wagtail paintings have become a community activity in Torquay, with locals enjoying treasure hunts to find them.
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Torquay artist's willie wagtail paintings taking flight around the Surf Coast and beyondBy Jonathon KendallTopic:ArtThu 28 May 2026 at 5:03amThu 28 May 2026 at 5:03amThu 28 May 2026 at 5:03amMike McLean paints his willie wagtails on pieces of reclaimed timber. (ABC News: Jonathon Kendall)abc.net.au/news/torquay-willie-wagtail-art-spreading-around-the-world/106722372Link copiedShareShare articleWhen artist and "bird guy" Mike McLean started painting willie wagtails on discarded fence palings on Victoria's Surf Coast, he had little idea of the phenomenon about to take flight.But his colourful images, which he gives away free to Torquay residents and sells for $20 to others, found a life of their own during COVID and have since migrated around the world.An Instagram page documenting the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).