I did it! I'm officially a Botanical Illustrator.

For the past 2 1/4 years I have been taking classes online through New York Botanic Garden in Botanical Illustration, and I'm happy to announce that on June 7th I will be graduating with a professional certificate in Botanical Illustration!  That explains why you haven't heard about birding trips for the past few months - I was nose-to-the-grindstone working on my final project. In June I will resume my birding adventures.

My final portfolio project is five different ant - plant symbiotic relationships (Mango, Cyclamen, Rattle Skulls, Fanged Pitcher Plant and Cherry).  Here is the link to my new portfolio website where you can see all five illustrations and other artwork:  http://www.hrkbart.myportfolio.com

Green Weaver Ant

The Big Mango in Bowen, Queensland, Austra