I create detailed nature studies - botanicals, birds, and butterflies - in watercolor, colored pencil and pastel. Each work is carefully hand-rendered and released as limited edition fine art prints and originals.
I’m often asked what materials I use for my botanical and nature artwork, so I wanted to put them all in one place. These are the supplies I reach for most often in my studio and use regularly in my watercolor work. Watercolor Supplies Paper Arches Hot Press Paper — a good option for beginners or for anyone who tends to use a lot of water. Saunders Waterford Hot Press Paper — a favorite for painters who have more control over water and want a beautiful smooth surface. Palette
One of my favorite parts of painting birds is the eye. It is often the area that brings the whole subject to life. Even in a soft or atmospheric piece, the eye usually holds the focus and gives the bird its presence. When I paint bird eyes, I do not see them as simple dark shapes. I look for structure, value, edge, color, and the small surrounding details that make them feel real. What makes a bird eye feel alive For me, realism in a bird eye comes from both accuracy and rest
