Annie Baird began painting in 1965. She was influenced and encouraged in her early work by Colin McCahon & Doris Lusk, who taught her at University extension courses. By 1970 she was gradually becoming known for her art work and the publication of a children's book allowed a larger audience to appreciate her work.

Based in Dunedin, she travelled extensively throughout New Zealand and her work depicts these journeys. From the 1990s she visited France on an annual basis, painting during their spring and early summer.

Her studio was based near Gordes at the foothills of the Pyrenees and much of her work depicts this wonderful region. "I am fortunate to be able to forget I'm a person. I become practically part of what I'm doing - I'm the paintbrush and the paint. It is never simple."