About the Artist

I cannot remember a time when I did not draw or when I was not enthralled by the natural world. Growing up in a very rural area of the Colorado Rockies gave me ample opportunities to explore both of these passions, and I was lucky enough to have several wonderful mentors and role models to work with. At the age of twelve I began keeping illustrated nature journals at a workshop on nature drawing, a practice that I have continued ever since. Thirty-one volumes and counting! 

In the field, watercolor is my favorite medium because of its versatility and portability. I like to use the paint's translucent nature to explore subtle variations in color and interesting effects with light. I frequently work in pencil and pen-and-ink when sketching. While I sometimes use my own photographs as references, I much prefer to work from life and much of my work is completed outdoors through patient hours of watching. One of my most important tools is a pair of binoculars! 

Many of my field experiences later develop into linocut block prints, which have to completed in the studio. Unlike traditional relief prints, which utilize a different block to print each color, reduction prints use just one printing block so that the edition size is set from the very beginning. I love the bold, graphic quality and exuberant colors achievable with block prints, along with the creative challenge of thinking backwards and translating a complex image into layered hues. One of my favorite anonymous quotes describes printmaking as fun "because it takes a simple process like drawing and makes it as complicated and error-prone as possible!" Apt though that may be, the very complexity of reduction printing is addictive and rewarding. 

I enjoy teaching both art and natural history to people of all ages, as well as collaborating with scientists, writers, and other artists on a variety of projects from published books and articles to museum displays. My partner Shane Blair and I spend part of each summer in the lush fjords of southeast Alaska working as wilderness guides on small boats and look for opportunities to travel and explore throughout the year. When we're not off adventuring, we live in the Four-Corners area of southwest Colorado. 

Education:

B.A. in Human Ecology, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor ME 2005 

  M. A. in Environmental Studies, Prescott College AZ 2012 

Awards and Honors:

"1st Place, 2D Artwork"

Ridgeway Rendezvous, 2025

"2nd Place, Printmaking"

St. George Arts Festival, 2023

“Best in Show, 2D Category”

Gateway to the Rockies Art Show 2022

1^st Place, “Animals in the Parks” category

12^th Annual Art for Alaska’s Parks Competition 2020

“Highly Commended”

David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2014

BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year, two pieces selected in top 100, 2011

Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, 2005 - 2006

Website: www.watsonfellowship.org

For independent, year-long research project overseas titled “Inquiring Eyes: Natural History, Artists, and Island Exploration.”

Belkin Art Award, 2005