A Bit About Me
I was blessed with the 'gift' to observe closely and to draw what I see. As a young child I was aware of this, however I didn’t always truly appreciate it, nor did I actively pursue it. My gift was ‘just there’ waiting for me to listen to its call.
In my 'previous life' I enjoyed a full-time career while raising our family. This left little time to pursue other interests. When I 'retired', my husband nudged me to take an art course, just for something to do.
Long story short, having been given a botanical name, the gift of raw talent and discovering my love of gardening and with the insistence of a loving husband, I believe my destiny was to become a botanical artist! With sincere gratitude, I now passionately pursue excellence in botanical art!
- Works in graphite, watercolour, coloured pencil and in mixed media
- SBAF (Society of Botanical Artists Fellow - UK)
- Botanical art instructor
B.Ed., M.Ed., SBAF
My Lens to 'Life'
Botanical art is my refuge. 'Life' - is fragile, beautiful, mundane, complex, cyclical… and on earth finite. Botanical art beckons me to slow down, to look beyond the obvious, to linger and to appreciate the wonders of our natural world and life itself!
My process begins with close observation, building a mindful connection to my live specimen. While I enjoy exploring various mediums, layering transparent watercolors remains a steadfast passion. Focus, control, patience and artistic expression enable me to convey 'life' as I view it through plants. Curated compositions capture the distinguishable features and essence of each chosen plant, while conscientiously maintaining scientific accuracy.
My gardens and the ever changing Carolinian woodlot surrounding my home in Ontario, Canada provide perpetual inspiration!
My Art Journey
My passion for botanical art was sparked by a happenstance workshop selection with artist/instructor Margaret Best in the winter of 2017.
As a late comer to botanical art, my commitment was further ignited when my watercolour painting was accepted for 'Art of the Plant', the Canadian component of the World Wide Exhibition of Botanical Art in 2018! I was apprehensive, as this was my first attempt at entering a juried art show. My Kentucky Coffee-tree Gymnocladus dioicus, was exhibited at the Museum of Nature, in Ottawa, Canada and was chosen for the exhibition's promotional materials!
Multiple juried exhibitions in the USA have since included my paintings (ASBA 22nd, 23rd and 24th Annual International Exhibitions). My first experience of exhibiting outside of North America was through the Society of Botanical Artists, SBA, based in the UK. I was absolutely delighted to have my Anthurium andraeanum included in the SBA Plantae 2024 Online Exhibition.
In 2026, yet another milestone! My work was reviewed by a panel of eleven experienced SBA Fellows and I was invited to become a Fellow Member of this wonderful organization. I accepted this honour with excitement and gratitude!
With each success, my passion has grown. Working primarily in graphite and watercolour, I continue to hone my artistic skills. Most recently I've been exploring coloured pencil and mixed media.
I love sharing my knowledge and experience as I teach aspiring botanical artists at the art school where my passion was first ignited. Drawing, painting, teaching and gardening bring gratification, fulfilment and happiness to my life.
My Goal is...
To entice those who view my work to set personal troubles and worries aside, so they may also connect with nature, plants and life in a meaningful and positive way.
I am truly grateful for the support I have received throughout my botanical art journey and for the opportunity to share my work with you.
So please, take some time and experience the wonders of 'life' through the plants depicted in my art. Enjoy!