Artist focus: Helen Cavalli
Botanical artist painting in Surrey, UK
Welcome to Behind the Brush… I’m so happy you’re here. Artist Focus is my mid-month feature where I invite botanical artists from all over the world to share their favourite studio picks for plant art and beyond. This month I am sharing the wonderful artist, Helen Cavalli. She says:
“I have always had a love of art especially the fine detail which led me to choose a career in cartography. At this time my hobby was miniature painting on ivorine and I had some success, exhibiting at the Mall Galleries with the RMS.
Broadening my skills led to work as an illustrator and I have enjoyed, over many years, producing sketchbook memories of travels and events. I have accepted commissions to produce many architectural illustrations. Today I work as a designer for two monthly aviation magazines.
After visiting Kew Herbarium and seeing a demonstration of Botanical Art I was interested in learning more, enrolled and completed the Society of Botanical Artists Distance Learning Diploma Course. I have since had my work accepted in the annual London exhibition at the Mall Galleries for several years.
As a member of Hampton Court Palace Florilegium Society I now look forward to participating in the many workshops held throughout the year and enjoy recording plants from the gardens, to submit to the archive. I am also a member of the Bedgebury National Pinetum Florilegium who currently have a show on at The Shirley Sherwood Gallery.”
Favourite Paintbrush? I use Raphael and Kolinsky brushes.
Favourite Paint? I like Winsor & Newton transparent paints and also Schminke colour.
Favourite watercolour paper? My favourite is Fabriano Artistico HP 300gsm, I am lucky to have a large stock of it!
Favourite botanical artist? It’s difficult to say because I have been inspired by so many, Pandora Sellars, Beverly Allen and Bridgid Edwards.
Favourite plant to paint? Mushrooms, but I also look for plants with lots of detail.
Favourite studio drink? I love a hot cup of camomile tea.
Favourite studio music: Classic FM or silence!
Happy weekend,