My artistic practice begins with close observation of the living world around me. Growing up in western North Carolina, the sights, sounds, and seasonal rhythms of the Appalachian Mountains shaped how I see and move through nature.

That way of seeing carries into my work. With a background in environmental science and education, I paint with both curiosity and care. I draw from ecological knowledge, but I also let intuition guide the process. I am less focused on strict photographic realism and more interested in expressing the presence and character of each organism, honoring them as individuals. Through this lens, conservation becomes something personal and felt.

Much of my work grows out of time spent outdoors, walking, observing seasonal changes, and paying attention to small, often overlooked life. I am drawn to quiet moments, early spring ephemerals pushing through leaf litter, subtle shifts in color and texture, or the way light moves through a forest understory. These moments deepen my connection to place. Through painting, I hope to spark recognition. I want viewers to slow down, notice more, and feel the life and relationships that shape the natural world.

My original artwork is available at Gallery Joan Awake and prints are available at Marquee.