The work, titled 'Animals of the Tree', was commissioned for installation at the Port Macquarie GP Super Clinic in Clifton Drive.

The colourful and intricate painting measures 2.4 metres in length and took over 100 hours to complete. Asked about her unique style, Lisa says she has never painted anything quite like this before.

"The piece of timber is from Wauchope; it's Blackbutt and it's absolutely beautiful," the artist said. "Physically it is the largest piece I've ever worked on, and it was such a pleasure."

Lisa takes every opportunity to pick up her acrylics and brushes, painting everything from surfboards, to turtle shells and other precious items found washed up on the beach.

"I often wake at 3 in the morning, inspired to paint."

The idea for the subject matter for this piece came to Lisa in a dream. The intricate artwork features Australian animals including koalas, lizards, butterflies and birds.

"The colours I chose are not those of traditional aboriginal art, and the texture of the timber was pretty rough on my brushes, so it helped that I also use skewers and cotton buds to apply the colour.

"It was like the tree spoke to me."

Animals of the Tree is expected to be unveiled in situ at the medical centre this week.

As she prepared for the work to be collected and transported from her Lake Cathie studio, Lisa's eyes welled up with tears as she spoke about what this painting in particular means to her.

"I am emotionally attached to it that's for sure, but I feel very proud and I hope people really enjoy it," she said. "I'm a better person when I paint."