Art inspired by the natural world that supports marine conservation
My work as an artist is inspired by wildlife, coastal environments, and the ecosystems that shape life here on the Pacific coast.
Living in Victoria, BC, I’m so fortunate the ocean is never far away — protecting it has become an important part of my artistic practice. A portion of profits from marine- and wildlife-inspired paintings and art prints supports ocean education and conservation organizations in British Columbia. I am a proud Associate Member of Artists for Conservation.
Even when I paint species from beyond the Pacific Northwest, the intention is the same: to help people feel connected to the natural world and inspired to protect it. ❤️
Meet Dana
I’m Dana Batho — an artist, teacher, and veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.
After a service injury ended my career as an RCAF Intelligence Officer, I returned to art as a way to heal and reconnect with creativity. Oil painting, which I learned years ago on my own (after art school ironically), is now the heart of my practice again — it’s adapted around my physical limitations, but is still deeply meaningful.
My work is influenced by the Victorian era, the Dutch masters, and the Arts & Crafts movement, combining vintage inspiration with bold colour and calm maximalism.
I paint wildlife, botanicals, still life, and quiet moments of beauty that invite people to slow down and look closely.
Alongside painting, I still help foster creativity in others via my stitching tutorials and classes as well as cross-stitch patterns, as well as home decor options such as fabric, wallpaper, and surface designs.
My artwork has been exhibited in Canada, Japan, and at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery.
Curious about the name Peacock & Fig? This post has all the details…
Conservation
The marine environment of British Columbia has shaped my life and creative direction. Most of my life I’ve lived next to an ocean or a significant body of water — water is very impactful to me. I donate a minimum of 15% of profits from marine and wildlife paintings and art prints to ocean education and conservation organizations such as the Whale Interpretive Centre and Pacific Wild.
I’m also a member of the Salish Sea Association of Marine Naturalists, and continue learning about the ecosystems that inspire my work.
Beauty can inspire care — and care leads to protection.
Commissions
I accept a limited number of oil painting commissions each year, with a focus on wildlife, coastal subjects, and meaningful species or places.
If you’ve been dreaming about a custom painting, I’d love to hear your idea.
I also have limited availability for design commissions such as for a custom wallpaper to tie a space together.
[Learn more about commissions →]
Or email: dana@peacockandfig.com
