About the artist

William T Cooper
1934-2015

Birds of Paradise have been a life-long passion and the Lesser Bird of Paradise is one of the most spectacular birds, particularly when a group of males are displaying by bouncing around in the top of a tree fanning and shimmering their flimsy golden plumes.

When displaying, their loud calls echo through the forest and can be heard from quite a distance. Watching these birds in the Jimmi Valley in New Guinea was the inspiration for this painting in which a female has been attracted to the displaying males.

William Cooper began his career as a landscape and seascape artist and then he turned his talents to his first love, birds. Bill has illustrated numerous books and his work is purchased by institutions and collectors from around the world.