'Aubrey Tui' is a limited edition art print by Auckland based artist Margaret Petchell. Originally a large scale painting 'Aubrey' is painted in Margaret's signature animal portrait style with intricate details, vibrant colours and a stark white background. 

‘Aubrey’ is one of many birds from Margaret’s 2013 exhibition ‘The Commoners’, an exhibition of original paintings that featured of birds native to New Zealand.

“The birds pose proudly as if sitting for a studio portrait, puffed up, solemn and dignified In each of the images, the soul of the bird has been captured, creating a connection with the viewer enabling us to relate to them on an emotional level. The birds have all been named, giving them a character and identity of their own.”

Native birds are a favourite subject for Margaret to paint, captivated by their intense expressive eyes she find them similar to humans in this way.

This monochromatic room styled by the Places and Graces team was a part of a challenge to style a series of rooms using the same blue wall.  The tones of blue and pop of natural wood gives the room a 60's era feel. ‘Aubrey’s’ soft feathers have been rendered perfectly by the paintbrush, giving the impression of a fresh chick who has just hatched, with bright eyes, eager to explore her new world.

Margaret Petchell has worked in the television & film industry for over 20 years as a wardrobe stylist and makeup artist. She has also been painting large acrylic on canvas portraits of animals throughout her career. ‘The Commoners’, was her 2013 solo exhibition of 15 large paintings of posing birds, of which just a handful have now been released as limited edition fine art prints.

View Margaret Petchell collection >>

Styled by Places and Graces for Resene Colour