Painting is when I lose track of time, when I see the magic that is nature, the texture of a leaf, the richness of colour in a flower, the sparkling raindrop, the amazing structure of a plant. How can they all be so different? It is in the symbiotic balance with other plants, the endless shapes, and then watching as a plain bud opens to reveal a flower of exquisite complexity. Capturing the beauty of nature is the challenge, whether the full completeness of botanical illustration or the less exacting flower paintings.

The term botanical art is used loosely; there are three categories that have evolved side by side:

1. Botanical illustrators
   Record ALL the details of the plant exactly, having measured them with dividers to get precise results. This covers roots, stems, flowers, seeds, seed pods, cones, etc and all the characteristics that distinguish the plant. And of course accurate colour recording of all parts of the plant. Along with the painting there will be written information on where found, habitat, and details about whether this is typical of what the plants looks like. This was essential in earlier times as the medical people needed to be sure they had the correct plant to process for medicine. Correct information was vital!!
2. Botanical artists
   Work more quickly, while aiming to capture with accuracy and realism the shapes, details, colours, characteristics and habits of new plants, as the early explorers found them. The plants are usually painted life-size but not with the full details of the above.
3. Flower painters
   This covers all other types of flower painting. It is not strictly botanical art but they are often grouped together. This is where you can be a little wild in your interpretation of the flower and look for 'the wow factor'.

My love of plants and gardening drives my passion to capture the beauty of nature. I hope you find something on this site that reflects this love in a way that connects with you.