I was a ceramic artist for more than 30 years but before that, when I was a child, I spent a lot of time drawing and painting. At WSU, in an effort to be practical, I studied political science and psychology instead of art, and then went to San Jose State U. for a Masters in Library Science, to be even more practical. But I took art classes and workshops in my spare time and for most of my working life I earned my living as a ceramic artist.

After years of working in three dimensions I took a weekend class in scientific illustration at the Olympic Park Institute and was reminded of the satisfaction I got from realistic drawing. As a result of that experience I began taking some classes in botanical illustration at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture from Louise Smith. In continuing classes I learned the basics of watercolor painting, the fun of working with colored pencils, and the principles of botanical illustration. I have become particularly fond of painting woody plants, seed pods, and sculpturally interesting plant forms.

I am a member of the Pacific Northwest Botanical Artists, a chapter of the ASBA and have participated in some wonderful workshops and exhibitions provided to the membership. In 2004 I submitted some paintings for jurying at the Seattle Flower and Garden Show, one of which won the Award of Merit, and I am especially pleased to have had one of my works chosen for the 2006 ASBA Beauty of Botany exhibit in Seattle.

Contact: janurd@embarqmail.com

Web site: www.janhurd.com