As an adult I took some classes in traditional drawing techniques with charcoal and graphite and discovered that I could draw and that I enjoyed it immensely. I took up watercolour and pastel and took part in a couple of group exhibitions of pastel landscapes and watercolour flowers. I discovered the attraction of the detail, but it wasn’t until we moved to Melbourne that I found the Saturday botanical illustration classes held by the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens (FRBG), Melbourne. It was there that I started to develop my understanding of botanical art and improve my techniques. I love to experiment with new methods and materials but I still regularly return to my first love of pencil drawing.
Once I retired, I had more time for art classes and other related activities. In 2011 I joined the Botanical Art Society of Australia (BASA) committee to help support Australian botanical artists and I have been President or Vice President for the last 12 years.
