Elaine was born in Sydney where she trained as a commercial artist. She spent a number of years working as a freelance colour illustrator in Sydney and also in London before her interests turned to botanical art. She was awarded a gold medal at RHS Botanical Art Show, London.

Her work has been exhibited at Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney; Shirley Sherwood Gallery, London Kew Gardens; Members Lounge at the Art Gallery of NSW. Elaine teaches botanical art in Bowral.