Thea Clark

Thea worked in science/engineering research, and it was only after moving to Melbourne in 2001 that she started attending the botanical illustration classes held by the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. It was there and also at the Melbourne School of Botanical Art that she started to develop her understanding of botanical art and improve her techniques. Thea loves to experiment with new methods and materials but still regularly returns to her first love of graphite and coloured pencil drawing.

After retiring from full-time work, she was able to join the Illustrators committee of the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne where she has helped organise The Art of Botanical Illustration biannual exhibitions. When the opportunity arose to join the Botanical Art Society of Australia committee, Thea felt that it was something worth doing so volunteered to assist there as well not expecting to end up as either President or Vice-President for the last 10 years!

Grevillea 'Superb'

$500

Coloured pencil

300 x 380 mm

This grevillea was planted in my back garden to attract the native birds and it works! I love the complexity of drawing the detail.

Wisteria sp.

$350

Coloured pencil

275 x 225 mm

This wisteria was growing at my front door and had very beautiful, long racemes. Unfortunately it had to be removed recently as it was starting to strangle other nearby trees so I will have to find another spot for one.