I’m Rachel Terese Floyd, a colored pencil artist committed to capturing the vibrant biodiversity of Virginia's Piedmont and (occasionally) Costa Rica! Through intricate, detailed drawings, I bring attention to native plants and animals—honoring their beauty and the vital connections between them.
My work includes original art and limited edition high-quality prints. I am also excited to be working towards a line of greeting cards, and a children’s book. I create with the hope of inspiring a deeper connection between people and the natural world. If you're drawn to art that invites quiet observation and celebrates the details of nature, I’d love to share more with you. Feel free to reach out at [email protected].
Each drawing starts with careful observation outdoors. I often study my subjects for months or years before I draw them. For me, drawing is a meditative process and proceeds at a glacial pace. I work from my own photographs, usually combining several, and then enhancing the final piece with colors and details that the photos couldn't convey.
I learn so much from this slow process. through my art, I invite you to see the world more closely with me. At the core of my work is a commitment to conservation. I hope that it inspires all who see it to protect the native plants and animals that share their space.
My artistic journey began with countless hours spent outdoors in the mountains of Colorado. My earliest memories include a seemingly inborn love of insects, plants, and fancy dresses! Childhood curiosity has grown into a lifelong commitment to sharing this love of creepy-crawlies and everything green and growing. Now, as the director of Virginia’s first all-native botanical garden, my work is deeply rooted in ecological conservation and firsthand observation.
This blend of personal passion and professional focus allows me to create art that invites a deeper connection with the natural world. Through each drawing, I hope to remind others of the subtle beauty that surrounds us and encourage them to protect the intricate tapestry of life.
Follow me on Instagram to see my nature-inspired illustrations—each drawing is a quiet invitation to slow down and look a little closer.