American artist Judy Pickett received her BA in education from Stetson University. After teaching for a while, she returned to school to study interior design, working as a faux finish artist in central Florida while raising her family. A member of the International Encaustic Artists through the local Florida Wax chapter, Judy has participated in many local juried and group shows both independently and with the organization. Judy resides in Orlando, where she uses the bright Florida sun to create her artwork. Combining cyanotype printmaking and encaustic painting she creates a perfect union of color, shape and texture. In the morning, plant material is carefully arranged on sheets of emulsion-coated paper and then exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. When the exposure is complete, the paper is rinsed and soaked to develop and fix the image. After the print has dried, it is adhered to a wood panel and molten encaustic medium is applied, lending depth and texture to the finished artwork.