Denise completed a Bachelor of Arts (Drawing) at Victoria College Prahran, Melbourne, Australia in 1991. Initially her artistic practice was primarily concerned with the psychical and sculptural aspects of portraiture. More recently however, her focus has shifted towards botanical subject matter and she is currently exploring this new interest through the rendering of form and texture in closely observed graphic detail. Scientific accuracy is of paramount importance in these latest drawings, and yet, as always something more is striven for than the merely illustrative. “If you wish to get hold of the invisible, you must penetrate as deeply as possible into the visible” Max Beckmann Selected exhibitions: 2009: “Flowers and Gardens” Annual Open Exhibition – The Society of Botanical Artists, London, UK. 2008: Margaret Flockton Award (scientific botanical illustration) – R.B.G. Sydney, Australia “Canberra Botanical 2008” - Canberra, Australia “Flora - The Art and Science of the Plant” Annual Members’ Award Exhibition (BASA) - Sydney Australia. 2007: “Flora - The art and Science of the Plant” Annual Members’ Award Exhibition (BASA) - Sydney, Australia “Canberra Botanical 2007” - Canberra, Australia. 2006: Winner - Drawing Category - Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Awards - Whakatane, N.Z. Margaret Flockton Award (scientific botanical illustration) - R.B.G. Sydney, Australia. Adam Portraiture Award 2006 - Wellington, N.Z. 2005: Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Awards - Whakatane, N.Z. Margaret Flockton Award (scientific botanical illustration) - R.B.G. Sydney, Australia. Group exhibitions: 2007: “Botanica” - Annual Members’ Exhibition (BANZ), Christchurch, New Zealand. “National drawing Award” - Christchurch, New Zealand 2007: “ Inky and Scratchy” - Solander Gallery, Wellington, New Zealand.