Botanical Art

When we first moved to Hawai'i in 2018, I was fascinated by the rich diversity of plant life and the unique ecosystems that exist in this tropical paradise. They were very different from the forests I was used to seeing in Western Washington State.

Like most new arrivals, I found myself drawn to the vibrant colors and intricate details of the local flora. Each plant seemed to tell its own story, and I was eager to capture these stories in my artwork.

The beginning for me was learning the names of the plants and understanding their unique characteristics. In that we live in Wakoloa, which is a "Dry forest" environment, my first attempts at botanical art were succulents and cactus. These can flower magnificently and create a color cascade unique to drier areas.

As time went on, I began to experiment with different techniques and mediums, always striving to capture the essence of the plants I was depicting.