Artist Statement
I work across traditional art mediums, combining them in contemporary and often unexpected ways. Once a composition is resolved, I choose the medium—or combination of media—that best communicates the subject, drawing from watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, ink, pastel, and printmaking for their unique qualities and expressive potential.
My process is shaped by a deep sensitivity to the natural world—its complexity, fragility, and interconnected relationships. I am particularly drawn to the quiet interactions between species and the delicate balance that sustains them. By blending traditional techniques in non-traditional ways, I aim to create work that is both rooted in careful observation and expressive of the layered, evolving story of the environment.
My inspiration is often sparked by observing a behavior or symbiotic relationship between species. Once my curiosity is piqued, I want to understand more. I grow plants and raise insects to witness these relationships firsthand. This process can take months or even years, as lifecycles unfold and repeat.
I admit I’m a color junkie. I’m drawn to bold color and dynamic subject matter, and I’m endlessly fascinated by the textures, patterns, and hues found in nature. This fascination stems from a childlike sense of wonder. Through my work, I aim to capture that moment of excitement and discovery as I draw from the beauty of the natural world.
I document my discoveries through sketches, color studies, journaling, and digital reference photos. From there, I compile and refine the elements I want to include, carefully developing my compositions. This stage is the most time-consuming, as I strive for anatomical accuracy in proportion, scale, and content. It’s said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” I have a lot to say.
Nature is a complex web of connections. Plants, animals, and insects coexist through intricate and often fragile relationships—and these are the stories I tell.
For me, this work is deeply personal. As more species become endangered or face extinction, I feel a responsibility to educate others about the uniqueness and importance of the natural world. Through my art, I aim to inspire awareness, appreciation, and connection.
Meet Nature Artist – Mindy Lighthipe
Artist Bio
Mindy Lighthipe believes in protecting the earth and does this by educating people through her art. She works in a contemporary approach similar to John James Audubon, and Maria Sibylla Merian, to show the natural history and interconnection of plants, insects, birds and mammals.
She paints a legacy for future generations. Mindy gets her inspiration from working with local and international rescue groups who rehabilitate and re-introduce animals back to the wild.
Originally from New Jersey, Mindy grew up 20 miles from New York City. As a child her mother suffered a long term illness which kept her father working 2-3 jobs to pay medical bills. Money was tight. Being an only child made her independent, resourceful, and self motivated. She spent much of her time drawing as she explored the natural world.
Her favorite experiences were attending a YMCA summer camp in the Poconos. She learned to forage for edible plants, identify animal tracks, build camp fires, hike, canoe, and appreciate all living things.
It doesn’t matter what the task, if you show her how to do it, she is good at it. She was always creating something whether it was making jewelry, throwing pots on potter’s wheel, drawing and painting, or wood working. Art is something Mindy knew would be a part of her daily life.
Her early years in college set her on a whirl wind journey into the world of fiber arts. She learned to spin yarns on a spinning wheel, grow natural dye plants and weave fabric on a floor loom. Excited by these traditional techniques she apprenticed herself to Silver Crown Fam in Chester, NJ for 5 years.
She received a BFA in Studio Arts, magna cum laude, and continued with her education to receive a MA in Art Education. As a graduate student she taught undergraduate Fiber Arts and Ceramics.
This passion continued after graduation and flourished into a full time job working as hand weaver for a designer in New York City. She later opened her own business creating handwoven clothing doing retail and wholesale craft shows across the country.
In 1990 a new world opened for Mindy. She grew tired of weaving fabric as it was physical hard labor and not enough creative time. She longed to travel and most of all to see the rainforest.
Her first adventure out of the country was to the rainforest of Costa Rica. Here she volunteered at a wild life sanctuary and started to paint. The diversity of colors and textures of the flora and fauna captured her undivided attention.
Upon returning from Costa Rica she quickly enrolled at the New York Botanical Gardens Botanical Illustration Certification Program. She completed the 2 year program in 9 months and got a job teaching at NYBG within the first year. She closed her weaving business and went full time teaching and drawing.
The following year she became the Education Director at NYBG and developed a 250 hour certificate program in Natural Science Illustration. She also continued to travel to Costa Rica where she found her true calling.
Fascinated by the rainforest inhabitants and concern for the animals and plants, Mindy started creating art which showed the interconnection of plant, insect and animal species.
She created a series called “Symbiosis” which won a Silver Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society, in London. This series went on to a solo exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville Florida. This prompted her to move to Florida where she currently teaches Introduction to Scientific Illustration at the University of Florida.
Mindy works in her home studio along with her 7 rescue cats and husband. As a dedicated teacher and artist Mindy continues to teach and lead art & photography tours to Central, South America, and Europe. Each journey is designed to expose travelers to conservation and rehabilitation centers. It is here Mindy focuses her teaching and her art. She realizes she can make an impact on bringing like-minded artists together while creating funding for much needed medical expenses to rescue centers.
Her work is collected by patrons around the globe who see the same vision as she does. Preserve and protect by Drawing the Beauty of Nature!
Let’s stay connected…