Since 1990, after deciding to concentrate on the development of her own talent, Elbe has made Bontanical Illustrations her specialization, painting life - size watercolours, primarily from live specimens. She applied herself at frist to the many varieties of the Liliaceae family, at the time her only interest and love. Recently however, due to the demand for book illustrations and commisioned projects, she turned her talent to capturing the sparkling essence of many different species. She works in pencil and pure watercolours and her paintings come alive with the innate appreciation for the involved individual characteristics of each species she turns her attention to.

Today, Elbe is an internationally renowned botanical artist. Her work is widely represented in South Africa and overseas collections. During the last two decades she has exhibited at the Irma Stern Gallery, Dorpstreet Gallery, Peter Visser Gallery, Kirstenbosch and at the Everard Reed Galleries - Cape Town and Johannesburg. Her work is also represented at the Lucy Campbell Gallery in London.

Since 1997 she was commisoioned to prepare various book illustrations by the Faculty of Science of the University of Stellenbosch. She has also been illustrating the diverse flora of the Western Cape for the University of the Western Cape's Environmental Department.

The Botanical Society of South Africa (sponsored by Old Mutual) commisioned her to illustrate the Inter Tidal sea plants and sea animals of the South African coast line on a poster for educational purposes with an illustrated work book for SA Schools. She also completed three posters for Coastal Care.

Education

Studied at Pretoria Art Centre
Trained as a High School Art Teacher
Attended four Master Art courses under tuition by Jenny Philips, Katie Lee, Siriol Sherlock at the Mount Nelson Hotel, organized by Dr. Shirley Sherwood

Work Experience

Taught art at Rustenburg
Taught art at a Technical College

2003 - present
Illustrations for the Curtis Magazine Kew Garden London

Exhibitions

Natural Affinities, group exhibition at The Cape Gallery, 2015
Annual wild life exhibition at The Cape Gallery, 2011
October 200, January 2002, November 2005
Royal Horticultural shows in London, where she was awarded medals for all three exhibitions

Awards

September 2002
Gold Medal awarded at the Bienalle exhibition at Kirstenbosch

September 2006, September 2008
Silver Medals awarded at the Bienalle exhibition at Kirstenbosch