“‘Rebellious, adventurous and determined’ had been Dorothy, a perfectionist mindful of the smallest detail….The more she painted wild flowers, the more captivated she became by their variety and beauty” Sunday Times

Dorothy Fernando (née Dias), born in 1907 in Panadura, Sri Lanka, was a pioneering botanical illustrator and nature artist whose work significantly contributed to the appreciation of Sri Lanka’s native flora. She developed a deep love for the countryside during her time on family estates and holiday homes in Hatton and Nuwara Eliya. Despite her conservative upbringing, she pursued her passion for painting and nature, defying her strict father.

In the 1940s, Dorothy honed her watercolor techniques while illustrating indigenous orchids for her brother-in-law, Ernest Soysa. Her dedication ultimately culminated in the publication of Wild Flowers of Ceylon in 1954, a groundbreaking work featuring her own illustrations and text. This book was the first of its kind and remains a valuable resource for naturalists and art enthusiasts in its third edition.

Following her husband’s death in 1955, Dorothy continued her explorations, often accompanied by her children, collecting and painting various aspects of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, including butterflies and bees. In the 1970s, she embarked on an ambitious project to document Sri Lanka’s wild orchids, resulting in over 100 detailed watercolor studies. Her meticulous approach involved painting specimens in their natural habitats, often working in rest houses or circuit bungalows during her travels. According to her son Malik, she painted the flowers in their fresh state, with no planning or pencil sketches.

Dorothy’s legacy extends through her family; her son, Dr. Malik Fernando, assisted in her orchid hunts and continues to be a respected marine biologist. Her grandson, Dr. Jayaindra Fernando, inspired by her work, illustrated her final publication, Familiar Trees of Sri Lanka. Dorothy Fernando’s contributions have left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan art and natural history, inspiring future generations to appreciate and document the island’s rich biodiversity.