As a landscape and portrait painter based in Christchurch, New Zealand, it is easy to be energised by the dramatic landscapes around me. I am inspired by nature and the strong connection between people and place.

I am drawn by the challenge of realism while still allowing the romance of the brushwork to show through. Achieving a sense of authenticity is key to my work. I recently have explored painting New Zealand's native birds with a surreal and often humours twist. I have a number of my works available in limited edition prints.

I have always had a strong desire to have a positive impact on the world around me. I knew I wanted to find a way for my art to help fundraise for the charities that are close to my heart. I have a strong connection to nature and the beautiful wildlife that inhabits our planet. In particular the native birds in New Zealand give me so much joy and nourish my soul. So I created a range of greeting cards which fundraises for local wildlife charities. I have my fun watercolour sketches to great these cards which differs from my realistic painting style. Since launching my first range I have gone on to create three more projects that support three more charities. Chosen charities: South Island Wildlife Hospital, Dunedin Wildlife Hospital and Life Matters Suicide Prevention and the Royal Albatross Centre.

@georgettethompsonart