I have loved being creative since I was a kid. My parents always supported my desire to draw and my grandfather inspired me when he sent me the book Audubon's Birds of America for my 12th birthday. That gift sparked my curiosity of nature, kept me drawing as I grew up and eventually led me to study graphic design and natural science art.

 

After moving to the Pacific Northwest in my early 20's, I spent lots of time along the shore, up in the mountains and walking through forests. I was also fascinated by the Victorian architecture throughout the older areas of the West Coast and spent some time drawing old houses that looked interesting. I moved on to study and draw flora and fauna when I began gardening and discovered a world of beauty, color and light in my own backyard and beyond.

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After enjoying a career in graphic design I now focus on illustration using colored pencils, watercolor, gouache, graphite, ink and other mediums. I have worked on paper, drafting film and wood panels. My curiosity of nature drives my enthusiasm to create exacting glimpses into the intricacies and beauty of the wild world outside my door. I am interested in capturing the light and color that is not immediately seen at first glance, but there in the details.

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It brings me great joy to share my work with you and hopefully spark your curiosity about the lovely presence of nature that is all around us. 

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Artist Bio

Janis Howes grew up in California and has lived in Washington State for most of her life. Based in the Seattle area, her background is in illustration and graphic design. In 2016 she earned a certificate in Natural Science Illustration from the University of Washington. Her inspiration comes from observing nature and learning about the flora and fauna in the Pacific Northwest and other parts of the world. Janis exhibits her work locally at regional art festivals, art walks and galleries. In 2022 her painting, "Trumpeter Swans of Skagit Valley Farmlands", was chosen for the 19th Annual Puget Sound Birdfest poster art. She is a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators Northwest and the American Bird Conservatory.