I have worked as an illustrator for over 40 years, beginning as an in-house illustrator for UK publisher Quarto. This was a good grounding in techniques and materials, as well as flexibility, and prepared me for life as a free-lance illustrator, still mainly in publishing. I learnt to tackle many diverse subjects which could be anything from medical, movies and music to horses, health, and horticulture.
Seeking adventure and escape from England’s grey skies, I spent 4 years in the Middle East, working mainly on children’s books. From here I moved to Australia where I broadened my skills studying creative visual arts before teaching the foundations of art and design in various institutions including graphic design college, Billy Blue. During this time, I also completed an MA in Art Therapy, which I practised for several years. Commissions for my illustration work, though still varied in content, were becoming more oriented towards horticulture and botany.
I enjoy working with gouache, ink and graphite, but lately I find I am particularly drawn to watercolour, for its vibrancy, spontaneous, organic quality and luminous properties enabling transparent layer-building.
Eight years ago I bought a house on a large plot. The challenge has been to turn this patch of land (mostly gum trees, sand and rocks with a few azaleas & camelias) into the beautiful garden it now is, planted with both native Australian and exotic flora. It has become both my inspiration and something of an obsession. Deciding to specialise in botanical illustration, I completed the Society of Botanical Artist's Distant Learning Diploma in 2018 with Distinction and Award of Excellence. This has further nurtured an intimacy and deep connection to plants which I am continuing to pursue in my studio in the heart of the beautiful Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.
- In March 2022 I was awarded the Best In Show at BASA exhibition in Melbourne for my work 'Hydrangea, Petunia, Blackberry'.
- In June 2022 I was awarded Exhibiting Excellence Award for most inspiring use of colour at SBA exhibition in London for my work 'Brassica'.
My botanical/horticultural artwork is featured in various publications, including -
- Doctors’ Favourite Natural Remedies (Readers Digest, 2015)
- Native Plants of the Sydney Region (Allen & Unwin, 2010)
- Care-Free Plants (Readers Digest, 2010)
- Waterwise Gardening (Readers Digest, 2010)
- Encyclopedia of Garden Design (Weldon Owen, 2004)
- Roses (Harper Collins, 2002)
- Encyclopedia of Annuals and Perennials (Weldon Owen, 2002)