Living in places defined by the natural landscape and outdoor lifestyle, Dawn developed a sense of stewardship and a love of the wilderness at a young age. She was born in Hawaii, raised in northern California, married in Washington state, and settled in Montana. Along the way, she has documented flora and fauna in her sketchbooks and paintings, while exploring farmlands, mountains, prairies, tide pools and beaches. She creates works of art that reveal stories of the complex and rich world of nature using watercolor, and often incorporating ink, acrylic, and gesso into her pieces to enhance textures and patterns.
Her path to becoming a professional artist proved to be circuitous as she discovered an interest in studying science in college. This led to an environmental toxicology degree from U.C. Davis and a 20-year career as a scientist. Never letting go of her creative side, she continued to study fine art at U.C. Davis and the College of Marin, as well as earn a certificate in science illustration from the University of Washington. While working her day job, Dawn freelanced illustration projects and was an exhibiting member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators.
Dawn now lives in Billings, Montana working as an artist building her creative business – Sunnyview Studio – and as a freelance scientific writer – her side gig. Her artwork has been shown in several exhibitions in Washington and Montana. She is a member of the Montana Watercolor Society and the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. She shares life with her husband and two sons.