As an only child growing up on a farm in the Isle of Man, Ruth Baker Walton enjoyed a freedom that few young children today can experience. Not only did she acquire a love of nature, but it also fuelled a vivid imagination.

At school, Ruth’s most successful subjects were English, Geography and Art, although she never acquired a love of school itself. This has not prevented her from achieving certain successes in her life. She has raised two daughters and, together with her husband, has run a successful business for over 40 years.

Ruth was Chairman and then President of The Wildlife Art Society Intl. until a few years ago. During her time with the society, she received a number of awards, the pinnacle of which was the 2008 Christopher Parsons Award for Artistic Excellence.

Ruth has been fortunate to visit Africa annually for over 20 years, which provided the inspiration for much of her art and also for her debut novel. From these experiences, she has written articles published by the society’s magazine and the Kenya Airways Inflight magazine, Msafiri. Ruth regularly gives illustrated talks about her travels and art and recently self-published a book of poetry inspired by the natural world. Writing allows her to express her creativity through a different medium and to explore the depths of her imagination in a way art does not.