Botanical Illustration
Observing nature. Recording detail. Creating lasting artwork.
Ruth’s botanical paintings are created through careful observation of the natural world.
Plants provide an endless variety of form, colour, texture and structure. Ruth’s aim is to capture those qualities accurately while creating artwork that is also beautiful and engaging. She works in watercolour, gouache, pen and ink, coloured pencil and printmaking, choosing the medium according to the subject and the character of the finished work. Her paintings may be created on paper, wood or vellum.
Ruth’s botanical illustration practice is informed by her training at the Chelsea Physic Garden and her continuing study of plants. Accuracy, observation and an understanding of botanical structure remain central to her work.
At the same time, Ruth enjoys exploring the possibilities of contemporary composition and combining botanical subjects with the expressive qualities of fine art.
Ruth’s interests extend beyond plants. Her work can incorporate birds, insects and other natural history subjects, often reflecting the interconnectedness of the natural environment.
This interest also informs her field sketching and teaching.
