At just 17 years of age Mylie Weir is cementing herself as a renowned artist after winning one of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes.
The Tamborine Mountain student won The Doyles Art Award in the junior 14–17-year category for her painting, Yellow Cheeks, depicting black cockatoos.
“It was unbelievable and really amazing,” the 17-year-old said of the winning the major competition.
“I wanted to paint them (black cockatoos) because they fly over the property and when they migrate, I hear them out the front.
“We call them black dragons.”
The A2 size watercolour features two black cockatoos with yellow Australian banksia and showcases Mylie passion for Australian birds and fauna.
It was after winning the Tamborine Mountain Show pavilion competition in the animals and birdlife category in 2024 that Mylie gained the confidence to enter The Doyles for the first time three years ago.
Although she didn’t win, her piece was one of the select few to be displayed.
Last year she sold her first artwork through the competition.
This year she entered two paintings, Yellow Cheeks as well as Kookaburra Mates, and sold both of them.
“I couldn’t believe I sold both of them, I was expecting just one,” Mylie said.
Capturing the personalities and character of Australian birds amongst native fauna is Mylie’s passion.
“There is so much wildlife on the mountain, it’s always inspiring,” the homeschooled student said.
Mylie has been painting since she was a young child but at the end of 2021 began to really focus on her skills through studying on YouTube as well as learning from her mum, Naomi, who is an acrylic artist.
“She has really developed her own style,” Naomi commented.
“I hope to continue to be a full-time artist. I love doing commissions and hope to get into some galleries in the future. It’s my passion,” Mylie explained.
Having only moved from the Gold Coast to Tamborine Mountain in 2023 she said she has been overwhelmed by the support from locals.
When Sianne Patterson from Tamborine Mountain Cottages put out a call for local artists, she jumped at the chance to commission Mylie.
“We absolutely loved her style and wanted every cottage to have it’s own individual character. Her artwork is beautiful, full of personality and creates a really special connection to the space,” Sianne said.
Her prints and artworks are also stocked at Eighty8 Interior Designs, which has also been keen to foster her talent.
Next year Mylie said she hopes to be a part of the Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail.
Her work can be purchased from her website www.mylieweir.com.au.
