Jeanette Drake was born and raised in Miami Florida. Even as a child and teenager, she was keenly interested in sketching and painting. In her spare time she visited as many festivals as possible. It was clear to Jeanette that upon retirement from her first career as a human resources administrator at Miami Dade College she would devote more time to sketching and painting. Jeanette was drawn to the beauty of watercolor and she enrolled in classes in Botanical Illustration at Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami. It was in this class that she discovered a real talent for detailed painting. Now retired in Melbourne, Florida, she pursues her passion of sketching and painting, enjoying a second career as an artist.

Jeanette gathers inspiration and subject matter from her photographs’ of the local wildlife and tropical flowers. Jeanette uses many washes and layers in her paintings to create the delicate and subtle translucency that can only be portrayed in watercolor. But it is the detail that appeals to Jeanette and that which makes her painting come to life.

Jeanette is an active member of the Florida Watercolor Society, the Central Brevard Art Association, the Strawbridge Art League Inc., and the Titusville Art League. Her paintings are currently on display in galleries in Cocoa, Palm Bay and Viera Florida. Jeanette is one of 7 founding members for the Art Gallery of Viera.

Jeanette participates in local art shows and has won the following awards: 2005 “Mayors Award” for one of her paintings of Florida Pelicans. The City of Cape Canaveral purchased the painting and it is on display at the Cape Canaveral City Hall. Award of Honor in the Art and Photography category at the 2006 Cocoa Village Summer Arts and Craft Fair. Second Place at the 2006 Central Brevard Art Association’s fall show. 2007 Best of Fauna award at the Brevard Watercolor Society and the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge 5^th annual Images From the Refuge show. Merit Award for her painting of a Night Heron “Night Watch” at the 2008 Brevard Zoo Art show. 2008 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Artist Recognition Award for her painting of a Great Horned Owl. Third Place and Merit Award at the Central Brevard Art Association’s 2008 Annual Fall show. First Place for “Attitude in Red” in the watercolor category at the 2009 Titusville Art League’s Annual Spring Show