My art is about the intricate beauty of plants and flowers. I believe that beauty in art and nature has the power to bring happiness and healing to people. My inspiration comes from the rich history of botanical art. For centuries artists have used art to describe and bring attention to the natural world. Plants are fascinating models. The process of painting a plant brings me closer to understanding it's scientific reality, while also transporting my mind from the everyday bustle of human activity. 

 

Watercolor allows me to achieve the pure light and color of the actual flowers. The white of the paper filters through the paint in the same way that sunlight filters through petals. I use transparent watercolor painting and incorporate traditional botanical rendering in a dry brush. By using deep shadows and saturated colors, I hope to capture the realistic drama of nature. My paintings are enlarged interpretations on heavy sheets of watercolor paper. I find my subjects in nature and paint from sketches and photographs.

 

Although I've always practiced art, my art education began in 1990 as a fine art major in college. Along the way, my attention diverted and I went on to earn a Masters degree in Education. After many years as an educator, I recently returned to making art a priority. My studio is in my home in Plano, Texas.​ My paintings can be found in exhibitions throughout the United States featuring watercolor art or botanical art.