wild rose // botanical collection .01

Working on a new series of botanical subjects. I have chosen to step away from true botanical illustrations for a while, to see how it feels to tackle a painting without having to worry about correct proportions, colours and details.  I have found this new style liberating and the entire process a bit more enjoyable considering the limited time I have available for painting these days. And truly excited about having both flora and fauna in the same plate. What do you think?

Sketchbook #1 // Blossoms

March has all been about blossoms! The trees are full of delicate flowers, whites, pinks and reds dominate over the greens of the new leaves and everything seems to be awakening from the long winter sleep. This is another of my favourite botanical subjects, but for this subject I went for a more illustrative technique using a black ink pen besides my watercolours. 

 

 

 

 

My main source of inspiration has been this book, but I also enjoyed flicking through my many botanical art books. And that is one of the reasons why I'm very tempted to tackle a proper botanical painting of a branch of cherry blossoms or prune for my April's project, but not sure I will have enough time to get it done!

Looking forward to illustrate birds or butterflies this month (I still haven't made a decision), either way it will be a real challenge.

Camellia sinensis

 

Back in November last year I got a request from a potential customer, and tea shop owner, to draw an outline of the Camellia sinensis, whose leaves and flowers are used to make tea. I wasn't quick enough to respond to the email and didn't get the job, but had at go at it anyway. The outline is based on an old illustration by Franz Eugen Köhler.

Sketchbook #1 // Roots

This is a sneak-peak at my sketchbook from February. I'm carry on with my intentions of choosing a subject a month. Last month I went for roots, being fascinated by the many bulbs and tubers sprouting around this time of the year. It is very much a botanical subject and probably not really in line with this sketchbook (and its thin paper), but I loved it and regret I didn't have much time to paint some more. My inspiration book was an old botany book that was used in the seventies by the pupils of the local grammar school. It's full of inspiring illustrations and descriptions.

I'm currently working on a slightly related painting and hoping to get that done before spring arrives!

Taxus Baccata

On a bright sunny day, a little branch from a massive yew caught my attention. I brought it home, I looked at it closely, then made a little watercolour out of it. So simple, and so complex at the same time. And next you know it, I got to use my calligraphy set for the first time.

Sketchbook #1

This is what my brand new sketchbook looked like at the end of January! Hoping to fill it in a bit more with a different theme by the end of February.

Lately

Trees illustration - watercolour

Valentine's card - red ink pen on Bristol board

Topiary textures exercise - watercolour

Flower dooddle - black ink pen on Bristol board

Daffodils - black ink pen and watersoluble pencils

I have been neglecting this space a lot lately, and was wondering if I should really try and keep it alive. 

And my answer is YES. 

I have the intention of CREATING a lot this year, together with enrolling in at least one art class. And this where I want to share my work, whether it is a work in progress, a finished painting, an evening doodle or a simple exercise. 

Autumn harvest

 

 A new seasonal illustration available on my etsy shop (here).

A new illustration

I have been obsessed with hot pressed paper lately. And with some illustrations sketches I've been working on. I'm still experimenting with large washes, but love the added texture, particularly to the clouds.

The illustration is available on my Etsy shop.

The House Garden

Just finished this House Garden illustration inspired by one of my mum's kitchen towel from her dowry. I decided to use Arches hot pressed paper, and although is not my favourite brand, I think it was perfect for this subject. And I'm already planning to make some more on a similar style.

The original painting will be up on sale on my Esty shop sometime this weekend. 

Happy weekend to all!