Welcome to Cottageofacademia

I’m Barbara Pasnak.

I’m a studio artist and naturalist painter working in watercolor and acrylic gouache. My work focuses on wildlife, folklore, and underrepresented species, particularly those rarely seen in contemporary art. Subjects like the gray tree frog and red-bellied water snake appear frequently in my work, approached with both scientific curiosity and painterly interpretation.

My studio includes a curated collection of natural and historical artifacts—fossils, field guides, and collected specimens—that support a practice rooted in observation, research, and ecological awareness. I aim to make visible the overlooked and to connect art with science.

If you represent a public space such as a nature center, museum, or educational institution, please contact me before purchasing. I offer select incentives for mission-aligned spaces in support of conservation and education.

Whether you’re here to explore, collect, or collaborate, I’m glad you’re here.