Society of Botanical Artists Exhibition

Inspired!  There was some fantastic work and already I am beginning to find names of people whose work I like.  There was a wonderful coloured pencil picture of Lords and Ladies in autumn by Ann Swan.  One of my favourites was a square picture of tulips and wallflowers coming in from the sides, by Susan Christopher-Coulson in coloured pencil.  I also loved a garland of hops and lavender by our own Elizabeth.  Billy Showell included images of pencils and pens in her works, as if just laid down on the paper and also used trompe l'oeil to make you think there were layers of papers creating a collage effect.  Julia Trickey is another eye-catcher, often depicting decaying flowers.  She did a big picture of leaves from Bath Botanic Gardens inspired by the work of Rachel Pedder-Smith. I loved a huge dead Rodgersia leaf by Robert McNeill.  He won a prize for another of his paintings shown in the exhibition.
There was a huge range of work and although much was superb, some of it was of quite an ordinary standard.  I can aim high!
We had a good day, Sue, Sheila and myself.  We met up with Eileen and her family too.  Her son is an extraordinarily good-looking young man!

Pineapples and lemons

I was fired up with enthusiasm, but went from Wiltshire to Lancashire where I was not able to indulge.  We ate the pineapple.  I was very excited about an Amalfi lemon, complete with large leaves, at Booth's (surely the best supermarket in the world).  But the leaves fell off at the checkout and I demanded a refund.  Back in Dover I bought a giant pineapple and began again.  However, a pineapple is so difficult!  I think I may be giving up again.  We are eating it tonight.  I wish the hot pressed paper were not so expensive.  Each failure is another sheet wasted.  Or practice, depending on your point of view.

Ann Swan workshop

I had a brilliant two days on a workshop at Ann Swan's studio in Rowde.  It was all about graphite pencil and the project was to draw a pineapple, which was very difficult.  By the end I had about four square inches of finished work!  However I have learnt so much more.  I know how to set myself exercises to get started on a piece of work and free up the right side of the brain.  I know how to sharpen my pencils!  I discovered that I have been using the wrong side of my expensive paper and that colours can be blended with baby oil for under-painting.   I now know that Mozart in the background will improve my drawing and that I must practise every day.

The food was lovely and lunch was in the restored Victorian greenhouse on the first day, which was sunny.  It was too cold on the second.  It was a treat to work in the purpose built studio surrounded by Ann's pictures, many of which are reproduced in her book .  I bought materials and some of her cards and have every intention of buying a print some time.
Find her at www.annswan.co.uk

Ann Swan workshop

Excited and nervous, that's me today! Leaving for Ann Swan two day workshop at Rowde, Wiltshire.  I have packed paper and paper pads and sketch book, pencils, sharpeners (plural), erasers of three types!, plus a new magnifying glass, feather and cotton buds.  Wonder if I have everything!
This is a Christmas present, so really hoping that it is friendly, informative and improving.  Also that the food is good.

Helleborus orientalis in ink

Here are the ingredients, each on a separate piece of paper and then stacked.  

Flower

Seed pods

Pollen grain x 2000

Helleborus orientalis