Gillian Payne

I want to paint plants simply because I am interested in plants, their form, natural habitat and origins. I like to observe the detail, the patterns, the seeds, the leaves, the bark, etc.

My other great interest is dance and I believe that this makes me see pattern and movement in plants which, I hope, is reflected in my paintings.

I grew up in the (then) industrial West Midlands and I have always worked in science and technology, the greater part of my working life being spent in the Department of Computing at Imperial College, London.

I have a great interest in collecting plants and visiting gardens. I managed to pursue my desire to paint in watercolour when I retired in 2002 and attended the Botanical Painting course in 2004, attaining a pass in 2006.

This exhibition is my first attempt at exhibiting paintings!