I hold a degree in History of Art and Architecture but my passion for practical art has always been drawing and painting. From an early age, I was drawn to watercolour, and loved the variegated tulips and irises from my family garden. Returning to painting after many years, I decided to take further steps to specialise in Botanical Art by embarking upon the Diploma for the Society of Botanical Artists.
In 2022, I graduated from the SBA with Distinction and received the Jantien Burgraaff Progress Award. I have been a finalist in the British Art Prize, was shortlisted for the Shirley Sherwood Capannelle Winery Competition and have exhibited some work in London Exhibitions. Artwork has also been published in various national and International magazines.
Most of my chosen specimens are closely rendered in detail. Through many watercolour layers and dry brush techniques, I aim to be as faithful to these subjects as possible, whilst trying to reveal the essence of their character. I gravitate toward botanical subjects that are often overlooked, such as a humble red onion. We walk past a bramble without observing the intricate surface of its leaves, or the pink blush of its flowers and only take notice when it rewards us with fruit. I firmly believe that the more mundane things can be viewed with as much intrinsic beauty as a rare orchid or grandiose plant. Everything and everyone has a place and value. Through Botanical Art, I attempt to elevate even the most mundane of subjects. However, I also seek unusual textures or intricate patterns in nature, such as those found on the Snakeshead fritillary.
In February 2024, I was elected a member of the IBA (Iceni Botanical Artists). Later that year I was delighted to have been accepted as an SBA Fellow.
I am now also developing my practice through the medium of ink. I hold workshops locally, take part in various markets, have a website showcasing originals and prints, and welcome commissions throughout the year.
Qualifications, Awards, Exhibitions and Publications:
2026
RHS Watercolour Botanical Art (book) - published artwork
2025
SBA Plantae exhibition, Mall Galleries - exhibited 2 works
Fullers Mill Garden: A Jewel in the Forest (book by IBA) - published artwork
'Inspired' Exhibition - Becket's Chapel, Wymondham
2024
SBA Fellow acceptance
SBA Plantae exhibition (online)
IBA in Bloom exhibition, Iceni Botanical Artists, Becket's Chapel, Wymondham
Elected a member of the IBA (Iceni Botanical Artists)
2023
SBA Plantae exhibition - exhibited 2 works
2022 Achieved a distinction in the SBA Diploma of Botanical Art*
Received the Jantien Burggraaff Progress Award from the SBA
Finalist for the British Art Prize 2022
Exhibited at Plantae 2022 Exhibition at The Mall Galleries, London
Exhibited at SBA Online Winter Exhibition 2022
Exhibited at Oxo Gallery, London for the British Art Prize 2022
Shortlisted for the Shirley Sherwood Capannelle Wine Label Design competition. My artwork, amongst the other finalists, is now on display at the winery as part of a digital book.
Published in The Covent Gardener Magazine
Published in Artists and Illustrators Magazine, November and December
Art Education:
BA (Hons) History of Art and Architecture, University of East Anglia
SBA DLDC - completed 2022 with distinction
Exhibited previously at The Forum, Norwich
*SBA - Society of Botanical Artists
