About me

Paul is stood next to a South American birdwatcher, on top of a mountain. They both have binoculars around their neck.

Paul Brainch

I am a self-taught artist and photographer with an enduring passion for wildlife, particularly birds, which has led me to some of the most exotic and remote corners of the globe. Since my first journey to the tropics in 1990, I’ve been captivated by the extraordinary species I’ve encountered. This fascination has profoundly influenced both my life and my art.

My creative journey stems from a lifelong respect for and wonder at the natural world. From an early age, I was especially drawn to birds of prey, a passion that continues to grow. Over the years, my extensive knowledge of birds and wildlife has enabled me to locate and capture my subjects with precision—whether through photography, field sketches, or finished works—on my travels at home and abroad.

Travel and inspiration
My photography expeditions have taken me far and wide, with recent travels to Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia and Japan. I have explored the vibrant landscapes of Latin America and the Indian Subcontinent, always in search of rare and captivating species.

Choosing a single favourite bird or photograph is no easy feat, but if pressed, I’d say the Resplendent Quetzal holds a special place in my heart. Its vivid and intricate plumage makes it truly iconic, though its Near Threatened status on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by our natural world.

Home in Norfolk
I now live in Cley next the Sea, Norfolk, surrounded by extraordinary wildlife habitats. The area includes Cley and Salthouse Marshes (Norfolk Wildlife Trust Reserve), Blakeney Fresh Marsh, Blakeney Point (National Trust Reserve), as well as Salthouse and Kelling Heaths—each offering a wealth of inspiration and observation opportunities.

A personal note
Thank you for visiting my site. I hope you enjoy exploring my photo galleries, which showcase some of my favourite pieces. Your feedback and enquiries are always welcome.

A sepia picture of young Paul painting an image of a bird. There's a big framed picture of a toucan in front of him.

A Resplendent Quetzal - a stunning blue bird with a red chest and an extremely long tail.

A 2023 trip to Guyana included visits to Kaieteur Falls, the Iwokrama Forest Reserve, Surama, Karanambu, and Yupukari, with over 500 bird species photographed.

The early days: An exhibition at Henley-on-Thames, featured in the Gazette, August 29th, 1986

The Resplendent Quetzal, Paul's favourite bird.

Private commissions

I am grateful to have received a growing number of private commissions, with my work now part of collections in South Africa, Japan, and the United States.

Exhibitions

I am proud to be a member of the Wildlife Art Society International and have exhibited widely across the UK, including notable locations such as Warwick, Bourton-on-the-Water, Woodstock (Oxfordshire), Odiham, Farnham, Egham, and Henley-on-Thames, where I’ve also held a solo exhibition.