Barbara Rae Norridge is a British-based wildlife artist whose paintings reflect a lifelong fascination with birds, landscapes and the natural world. Having spent much of her life in Africa, she developed a deep appreciation for the continent's extraordinary wildlife and expansive game reserves, which she continues to visit regularly for artistic inspiration. These experiences have profoundly shaped her artistic outlook, fostering an enduring connection with the natural environments and wildlife that inspire her work. Norridge studied at the Johannesburg College of Art Foundation before exhibiting at Lidchi's Art Gallery in Johannesburg, where she attracted both private and corporate commissions. In 1992, she settled in Leicestershire, England, where she has continued to develop her distinctive approach to wildlife painting. Her career has included numerous solo and group exhibitions across the United Kingdom and South Africa. Birdlife has remained central to Norridge's artistic practice. Her earlier works explored birds within their natural habitats, often incorporating the varied landscapes of the African savannah, while her atmospheric coastal paintings revealed an interest in the expressive possibilities of landscape. More recently, she has returned to her enduring passion for game birds and waders, drawing upon years of careful observation to capture their individual characters, movements and social interactions. Beyond painting, Norridge is also an accomplished author, having written the internationally successful Hilmy the Hippo children's book series and the novel The Apricot Tree. Her paintings reflect a commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly the preservation of wetland habitats and the protection of declining songbird populations. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to share her appreciation of the natural world and the delicate ecosystems that sustain it.