There are two criteria for a painting that Anne Peyton places in each of her finished pieces: One is that the final image shows respect for the subject; the second is that viewers can learn something after studying the art. They are two principles that the artist has carried over to her new career as a wildlife artist, concentrating on birds and avian art.

“Painting birds may seem to be on the opposite end of the spectrum, but in truth there is a lot of similarity to my former subjects - race cars. Birds can be brilliantly colored or purposefully drab. They are technically difficult. The artist must be able to capture and represent the proper attitude of a bird in its natural setting.”