Claire Te Au is a Dunedin-born New Zealand painter whose work combines lush florals and hidden wildlife in vivid, narrative-rich compositions.

Although she originally studied political science, Te Au made the leap to full-time art in 2017, after spending time living in London.

She is largely self-taught and works in acrylics, building depth and tone through many delicate, translucent layers. Her paintings are deeply influenced by colour and storytelling: floral arrangements often conceal small animals, creating a sense of emotion and wonder in each piece.

On a personal level, she speaks openly about balancing her artistic practice with family life, emphasising the role of consistency, self-belief, and a strong community in her creative journey.