Having spent most of my life in scientific research (virology, cancer, gene therapy) in 2007 I decided step sideways and paint full time. I now think of myself as a professional artist, specialising in botanical art and illustration. This website represents some of my work to date.
My training in science taught me the patience and attention to detail so necessary in representing plants in watercolour. I use mainly the "dry brush" watercolour technique, learned at Kew and with Annie Farrer. I have had a lifelong interest in ancient texts, dating from when I first came across the epic original poem Gilgamesh. Since then my imagination has been particularly captured by early and medieval European literature and herbals. Through these writings I became aware that our links with the plant world range throughout time and human experience, a concept which is reflected in much of my work.
Over the past few years I have been developing a portfolio and showing my work mostly at Caversham and Henley Art Trails. In October 2013 I began a residency in the medicinal garden at the Royal College of Physicians in London. Following a successful exhibition of the paintings I produced, my next project is working towards exhibiting at the Royal Horticultural Society botanical art shows. I also intend to explore more subjects inspired by ancient texts and, having recently relocated to the Brecon Beacons, I am looking forward to wild walks in the Beacons and delving into the Four Ancient Books of Wales.
My training in science taught me the patience and attention to detail so necessary in representing plants in watercolour. I use mainly the "dry brush" watercolour technique, learned at Kew and with Annie Farrer. I have had a lifelong interest in ancient texts, dating from when I first came across the epic original poem Gilgamesh. Since then my imagination has been particularly captured by early and medieval European literature and herbals. Through these writings I became aware that our links with the plant world range throughout time and human experience, a concept which is reflected in much of my work.
Over the past few years I have been developing a portfolio and showing my work mostly at Caversham and Henley Art Trails. In October 2013 I began a residency in the medicinal garden at the Royal College of Physicians in London. Following a successful exhibition of the paintings I produced, my next project is working towards exhibiting at the Royal Horticultural Society botanical art shows. I also intend to explore more subjects inspired by ancient texts and, having recently relocated to the Brecon Beacons, I am looking forward to wild walks in the Beacons and delving into the Four Ancient Books of Wales.