Artist focus: Sarah Gardner
Botanical artist painting in Cheshire, 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 seven studio picks for plant art and beyond.
I met the very lovely and super talented Sarah through my involvement in The Association of Botanical Artists’ Committee. She entered the captivating field of botanical art with a strong background in environmental science, in-depth education in botany, and hands-on experience in horticulture. Her diverse educational journey and practical knowledge contribute to her unique perspective and creativity in this artistic domain.
Continually developing and refining her craft, Sarah works in oil paint, watercolour, ink and graphite. She holds a Diploma with Distinction from the Society of Botanical Artists and is a Fellow and Council Member of the Society. This summer Sarah was awarded the Certificate of Botanical Merit at the SBA Plantae Exhibition.
Her drive to create and promote botanical art comes from the desire to celebrate the value and diversity of plant life and share it’s beauty. Drawing upon her background, she relishes opportunities to communicate ecological concepts and historical contexts through her artwork.
Meet Sarah….
Favourite paintbrush
Having trialled different types of brushes for oils this year, I’ve found I prefer the smoother synthetic Brushes over traditional hog hair. I currently use relatively inexpensive Daler-Rowney Gold Taklon brushes in the smaller sizes so I can capture the botanical details.
Favourite paintÂ
I like to mix from primaries in my work; it allows me to decide how to get the best range of warm/cool shades and tonal values.  For my recent Dahlia, the palette consisted of: Winsor & Newton’s Cadmium Red Deep, Cadmium Yellow Pale and French Ultramarine, plus Titanium White.
Favourite watercolour paper
I’m using Belle Arti’s primed poplar ply panels as they offer a smooth, stable surface. Unfortunately, they are a lot more expensive than my favourite Saunders Waterford 640gsm HP watercolour paper!
Favourite botanical artist
Rory McEwen. Â I spent several months researching his life and work for my SBA diploma and was thrilled to have the opportunity to study one of his original paintings at the Lindley Library. The way he captured light and form is breathtaking.
Favourite plant to paint
I have favourite textures rather than favourite plants, from the dramatic waxy sheen of a breadfruit leaf to the velvet plush of an iris fall.
Favourite studio drink
Jasmine green tea.
Favourite studio music / pods
I’m revisiting ’90’s / 00’s albums at the moment: Alanis Morissette, Gomez, Turin Brakes, Damien Rice… it’s been like catching up with old friends!