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Kerry Clavadetscher, a Seattle area artist specializing in photorealistic painting, is the featured artist for the 2023 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

Clavadetscher's original watercolor captures one of the many sights and scenes visitors to the Tulip Festival experience every April. The fresh and vibrant piece invites people to experience the beauty of nature.

"It's a big deal to me as a realist – depicting a true scene or experience someone can have – it's not a symbol, it's a real thing," Clavadetscher noted.

She specializes in highly detailed paintings showcasing wildlife, botanicals and landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.

"I was visiting the Anacortes Arts and Crafts Festival a few years ago and saw this beautiful print of a bearded iris petal. I was intrigued and invited Kerry to apply to become one of our featured artists," festival Executive Director Cindy Verge said. "I think people will love the image she has painted."

Clavadetcher holds a natural science illustration certificate from the University of Washington and a B.S. in physics from Yale. Before she became a painter she worked as a software developer for Microsoft, an intern for NASA and a setter for one of the nation's top youth volleyball teams.

She creates from her studio in Lake Forest Park and in her free time you can often find her enjoying the outdoors. More of Clavadetcher's work can be found at kerryclav.com.

The 2023 poster, merchandise and official products will be unveiled on Nov. 9 at Skagit Acres from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Source: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival