Kathleen Garness

Primarily working from life, first Kathleen makes pencil studies, and then transfers the drawings to 100% rag Fabriano watercolor paper or Canson toned papers. Carefully working with delicate glazes of watercolor, she strives to capture their spirit and form in all stages of bloom.

Part of the context of Kathleen’s work is her ongoing participation in regional and international orchid conservation. In 2009 she had the privilege of being invited to present a session at the Native Orchid Conference (at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay that year), on the topic of Challenges and Strategies for Native Orchid Conservation in Illinois and the Chicago Wilderness Region. Kathleen was also invited to contribute articles and illustrations to many publications, including Illinois Audubon, Chicago Wilderness magazine, the Native Orchid Conference Journal, Illinois Steward magazine and Orchid Conservation Coalition. She enjoys volunteering for the Chicago Botanic Garden Plants of Concern program, doing citizen science monitoring of several species of locally rare plants. Working with Orland Grassland steward Pat Hayes was a wonderful way to develop relationships with the conservation community in Chicagoland. Kathleen was asked to design and implement the Chicago Wilderness passport program, to more deeply involve young people in natural areas stewardship activities.