Heather began her exploration of botanical art here at Dundas Valley School of Art. She took her first botanical watercolour workshop with artist/instructor Margaret Best in 2017. This happenstance workshop selection turned out to be a milestone in Heather’s interest and commitment to this art form.

Her first acceptance in a juried botanical art exhibition was a painting in Art of the Plant (2018) held at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa – this was the Canadian component of the ASBA Worldwide Native Plant Initiative. Heather’s success was repeated in the selection of her art for the American Society of Botanical Artists Juried Annual International Exhibitions (ASBA’s 22nd, 23rd and 24th). Heather’s first experience exhibiting outside of North America came in 2024. A jury selected her work for inclusion in the Society of Botanical Artists (SBA) Plantae 2024 online exhibition. In 2026, Heather was invited to join the Society of Botanical Artists (UK) as a Fellow Member. She is also a member of the Association of Botanical Artists (UK). Her work can be found in several private collections.

Heather’s experience in education – thirty plus years as a teacher and principal – shines through in her teaching at DVSA. Enthusiastically she shares her knowledge of the fundamentals of traditional botanical art with those who are new to this genre and to aspiring botanical artists. Working primarily in graphite and watercolour, she continues to hone her artistic skills with ongoing study and mentorship. When not drawing or painting, Heather can be found tending her gardens. These and the ever-changing Carolinian woodlot surrounding her home in Cayuga, Ontario, provide perpetual inspiration for Heather’s botanical art.

Heather N. Gross – website: https://heathergross.ca