Botanical illustrations for gin.... June

Chelsea Flower Show | hyacinths | gin | Amber

Welcome to Behind the Brush… I’m so happy you’re here. I usher in each new month with a roundup of seasonal inspiration, new for this month a botanical artist spotlight, some of the projects going down in my studio, the botanical art world, and more. Whether you’re an artist, or a botanical art fan, keep an eye out mid-month for an additional timely letter too.

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new show: So exciting to see my hyacinth piece “All the Single Ladies” (see above) in the Society of Botanical Artists’ annual show Plantae 2024! There were an unprecedented number of entries this year, 1300 in total and only 350 made it through so very grateful to be included. Thanks to the Presidents Shevaun Doherty and Claire Ward, also the panel of ten judges for putting on another banger of a show. This exhibition is unusually online as they are planning a big celebration exhibition in 2025 at The Mall Galleries, to mark their 40th anniversary. You can see read more about this dynamic Society in my previous post and view the exhibition here.

RHS Chelsea: I was so pleased to be asked by Children with Cancer UK to design a logo especially for their balcony design at Chelsea Flower Show this year (20-25th May). This fantastic charity issponsored ‘Raines Repurposed’ at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, designed by Thomas Clarke. Their collaboration on his balcony garden design aimed to raise awareness of childhood cancer. Inspired by Raines Retreat, a retreat they are building for families affected by childhood cancer, the balcony garden was designed to offer a moment of reflection and allow a brief break for those facing the unimaginable. I have illustrated one of the main flowers the designer used: Oenothera lindheimeri ‘whirling butterflies’. It’s natural beauty and the playfulness of butterflies is a perfect match for a space aimed at children and young adults. Congratulations to Tom for winning a silver-gilt medal and also “BBC People’s Choice Award”!

gin: Started in 2020 The Green Room Distillery, a local and multi award winning distillery is around the corner from me. They wanted an illustration of all the ingredients of their Theatre Dry Gin (Orange, grapefruit, lime, coriander, angelica, cinnamon and juniper) their Flyman’s Strength Gin for their social media on Botanicals Day for #Gin a Day May. As a gin lover, I’m down for that…

Animation by Stanley Orwin-Fraser.

NEW artist spotlight: Another botanical artist Amber Halsall answered my five questions, such a talent and fellow substacker:

• Favourite paintbrush? Rosemary & Co Series 402 red sable blend pointed and round for most of her work with the addition of a small pointed brush she bought in China a few years ago for tiny detail.

• Favourite watercolour paper? Arches Hot Pressed, 100% cotton, 640gsm.

• Favourite botanical artist? Rosie Sanders, her use of colour and the way she captures the detail without putting all the detail in is fabulous.

• Favourite plant to paint? Bark and autumn items with plenty of texture.

• Favourite studio drink? Strong coffee with cream in the morning and peppermint tea in the afternoon.

menu: I am delighted to see my illustrations on all the seasonal and ever delicious menus for London’s Trinity Restaurant for a second year running. This Michelin star restaurant boasts a top ten status amongst London restaurants listed by Hardens and Zagat and has been included in the top 100 restaurants in the UK. Chef Patron Adam Byatt’s enthusiasm for seasonality and the great outdoors fits seamlessly with the work of a botanical illustrator and it’s an ongoing collaboration I relish.

tea towel: Looking for an original hostess gift or maybe a treat for your kitchen? Grab one of my 100% cotton pineapple teatowels (£16) here or stocked at The Chelsea Physic Garden in London if you are visiting.

Happy painting,

Emma x