Capturing the
beauty of nature

Dorie Petrochko is an award-winning naturalist painter residing in Oxford, CT. She finds her inspiration in birding, field sketching and painting in CT, Maine, Arizona and as far south as Florida and Costa Rica

Recent Work

A great egret stands in a misty cypress swamp with tall, textured tree trunks and lush green water vegetation.

Featured: CypressVigil
Watercolor, 22 x 30

Artist wearing a cap painting a detailed portrait of a bird on a canvas, with a reference photo displayed above.

Artist Statement

Painting birds is my lifelong passion, fueled by a deep emotional connection to my subjects and a desire to inspire environmental awareness. My process begins with careful observation and is guided by sensitivity to color, light, and movement. I work primarily in watercolor and gouache, often blending in pan pastel to create vibrant, dynamic backgrounds. Often, when specific effects are called for, I will paint in oil. Each piece is shaped by spontaneity and experimentation, often allowing “happy accidents” to become part of the story. Through my art, I hope to share the wonder I feel for nature and encourage others to cherish and protect it. 


A pair of black, curved quotation marks.

TESTIMONIALS

"Dorie’s paintings capture birds with a tenderness and clarity that feel deeply true to the natural world. What makes her work so special is the way she sees—each bird’s posture, presence, and personality come through with remarkable sensitivity. You can feel her genuine love of her subjects in every piece."

- Jan Prentice -

"Dorie’s paintings capture birds with a tenderness and clarity that feel deeply true to the natural world. What makes her work so special is the way she sees—each bird’s posture, presence, and personality come through with remarkable sensitivity. You can feel her genuine love of her subjects in every piece."

- Jan Prentice -

"Dorie’s paintings capture birds with a tenderness and clarity that feel deeply true to the natural world. What makes her work so special is the way she sees—each bird’s posture, presence, and personality come through with remarkable sensitivity. You can feel her genuine love of her subjects in every piece."

- Jan Prentice -