BFA (Fine Art)

I am an artist from Waitakere (Auckland) and I paint birds wearing uniforms to suit their plumage and personalities.  My series "Birds in Uniform" is an ongoing collection of oil paintings first exhibited in 2009.  A Kea Technician, Sparrow Guard, and a Fantail Geisha are among my artworks.

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I have paintings in homes throughout NZ and internationally.  Starting at age eleven I sold my first painting to the headmaster of my primary school.  I have had solo and group art exhibitions, won some art awards, done multiple charity event fundraisers, a public live painting demonstration in Real Groovy - Auckland, made paintings for a published book in Rwandan schools to promote the protection of their environment, as well as making paintings for the movie "Bliss: Katherine Mansfield life story" which featured on Channel One Sunday Theatre TV.

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a little about my process:

My dad catches birds with his hands in the backyard (he is an experienced  bird catcher - so do not try this at home) Before releasing, I photograph and draw them.  This gives me a good understanding of how the bird looks on different angles and the scale.  I get to see much more than if only researching them on the internet or in books.  It's fun watching them fly away too.

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I enjoy subtly challenging viewers thoughts about everyday things.  My art appears simple at first glance, but there is a lot involved in behind the creation - lots of research and study, thinking and trialing to see if it works, then eliminating clutter to simplify down the main idea again - all this while considering my medium of oil paint and how to best communicate the ideas. I like my art to be fun and give something back to the viewer like providing them with a good feeling and hopefully a smile. 

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Thanks for reading,

Bonnie Fraser

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