Background
Paterson was born in 1892 to parents Hugh Paterson and Elizabeth Leslie née Deans.
Paterson was born in 1892 to parents Hugh Paterson and Elizabeth Leslie née Deans.
At age thirteen Paterson studied painting at the National Gallery of Victoria School from 1907 to 1912.
She was the second child born to the family. She began her education at Oberwly School, Saint Kilda. While she enjoyed making street sciences, landscapes, Paterson engaged in mainly commercial art to pay her bills.
In addition her art included book illustration and cartooning.
Her first book of sketches "Aussie Girls" was published in 1918 by Melbourne Publishing Company. On 8 August 1971, Esther Paterson died at Middle Park and was cremated with Anglican rites.