WHERE BIRDS, BOTANICALS AND BUTTERFLIES FLOURISH – The Creative Journey of Anne-Marie Bloor

Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how your journey as an artist began?
A. I’m an Australian wildlife and botanical artist based in Perth, Western Australia. Although I always loved drawing and painting, life became busy with raising a family and working as a graphic designer.

I returned to painting when my children were young and quickly realised it was where I felt happiest. Over the years, that passion has grown into a full-time creative pursuit, allowing me to share my love of Australia’s incredible wildlife and native flora through my artwork.

Q. How has your background in graphic design influenced
your painting?
A. Graphic design taught me so much about composition,
balance, colour and creating visual impact. Those principles
naturally flow into my paintings. Before I begin a piece, I spend time thinking about how each flower, bird or butterfly will work together to create a harmonious composition that draws the viewer in. 

Q. How has moving from the UK to Western Australia influenced your art?
A. Moving to Western Australia completely changed the
way I see nature. I was captivated by the vibrant colours
of the native flowers, the incredible variety of birds and
the unique wildlife that simply doesn’t exist anywhere
else in the world. Every season brings something new
to discover, and I’m constantly inspired by the beauty
that surrounds us.

Q. As a self-taught artist, what is the biggest lesson
you’ve learned on your artistic journey?
A. The biggest lesson has been to trust the process and never stop learning. Every painting teaches me something new. Being self-taught has encouraged me to experiment, solve problems and develop my own techniques rather than trying to paint like someone else.

Q. How would you describe your artistic style in
three words?
Detailed. Vibrant. Nature-inspired.

Q. What inspires you most about painting Australian birds, wildlife and native botanicals?
A. Australia has some of the most extraordinary plants
and wildlife on Earth. I love showing how birds, butterflies and native flowers exist together in nature. Their colours, textures and delicate relationships provide endless inspiration, and I hope my paintings encourage others
to appreciate and protect our beautiful environment.

Q. How do you capture the character and beauty of
each bird you paint?
I spend a great deal of time studying reference photographs and observing each bird’s personality, posture and tiny expressions. It’s often the smallest
details, the sparkle in an eye, the tilt of a head or the texture of feathers, that bring a painting to life.

Q. Beyond the realism, what do you hope people feel
when they see your artwork?
I hope my paintings create a sense of peace, joy and
connection with nature. Life can be incredibly busy,
and I want my artwork to remind people to slow down, appreciate the beauty around them and bring a little
of the Australian landscape into their homes.

Q. Do you have a favourite piece, and what’s the story behind it?
Choosing a favourite is always difficult, but if I had to
pick one, it would be Superb Fairy Wrens Backgarden.
I absolutely love the way this painting came together.
The combination of Australian native flowers, banksias, gum blossoms and the little family of Superb Fairy-wrens creates a scene that feels alive and full of joy.

What makes it especially special to me is the cheeky little male fairy-wren in the centre. He seems to have so much personality, proudly perched as if he’s keeping an eye on everything happening around him. I love how your eye is drawn to him before wandering through the layers of foliage and discovering all the other wrens hidden throughout the garden.

This painting captures everything I love about creating
art, the beauty of Australian native flora, the charm and character of our birds, and the feeling of stepping into a peaceful backyard that’s full of life. It reminds me that some of nature’s most magical moments happen right outside our own windows.

Q. Do you have any studio routines when you paint?
I like to begin by making a cup of tea, putting on some
relaxing music or a podcast and organising my paints before I start. Once I begin painting, I completely lose
track of time. It’s my happy place.

Q. What’s something people might be surprised to learn
about you?
Many people are surprised to learn that I’m completely self-taught. Everything I’ve learned has come through years
of practice, observation and a genuine love of painting.

Q. What’s one thing you can’t live without in your studio?
My collection of tiny detail brushes! They allow me to paint the intricate feathers, petals and butterflies that have become such an important part of my style. Not forgetting Samson my gorgeous Golden Retriever who is always
by my side.

Q. How do you choose the birds or botanicals you paint?
I’m naturally drawn to subjects with beautiful colour, interesting textures and personalities. I also enjoy pairing birds with native flowers they would naturally be found amongst, creating paintings that feel authentic while celebrating Australia’s unique biodiversity.

Q. If you could spend a day with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’d choose Claude Monet. I would love to walk through
his gardens at Giverny and learn how he saw colour,
light and nature.

His ability to create atmosphere and emotion from the natural world continues to inspire artists today, and I
think it would be an unforgettable experience.