Lesley Elkan is a talented Botanical Illustrator based at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, holding a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from the University of Technology Sydney, and a Graduate Diploma in Art in Plant and Wildlife Illustration from the University of Newcastle.
Utilising her strong background in black and white scientific botanical illustration, Lesley collaborates closely with botanists to provide illustrations that complement taxonomic papers and aid in the identification of new species. Her illustrations also contribute to the NSW Flora Online (PlantNET), enriching plant descriptions and keys for the community's benefit.
Alongside her job-share partner, Catherine Wardrop, Lesley possesses extensive knowledge of the historical illustration archive. They are currently engaged in databasing approximately 15,000 illustrations, many of which will be accessible to the public via PlantNET.
Lesley’s working day often starts with thorough investigation and research into the plant she’s tasked to draw. This involves reading plant descriptions, searching for reference images online, and studying specimens in the National Herbarium of New South Wales or occasionally observing live plants. Using a drawing microscope, Lesley meticulously captures the intricate details of floral features, seeds, and other minute structures such as leaf hairs and glands. Her drawings transition from pencil sketches to digital renderings, resulting in a clear and concise record of the species in question.
Throughout her 28-year career, Lesley has taken pride in establishing prestigious initiatives such as the annual Margaret Flockton Award, which has fostered a strong international network of scientific botanical illustrators and elevated the recognition of this art form. She has also been involved with the Artist in Residence program, and the highly successful RBG Florilegium, contributing her own paintings and curating donated artworks from around the world.
Lesley's passion lies in producing drawings and paintings, and she is currently developing her skills in oil painting alongside her illustration work. When not immersed in her creative pursuits, she finds solace in bushwalking and enjoying the natural environment with her family.
