Greengages... October
BAWW | bloom | easels
Welcome to Behind the Brush… I’m so happy you’re here. I usher in each month with a roundup of seasonal inspiration, current studio projects, notes on the botanical art world, and more. Whether you’re an artist or a botanical art fan I hope you find some inspiration in these letters. Keep an eye out mid-month for my botanical artist spotlight, too!
in the studio: I love this autumnal season, when there is so much ripe produce to paint. It’s also the time to complete all the artwork and admin for the art shows in the first half of 2025 so it’s busy! I have been working on a heritage crop, a greengage portrait above this month for my submission to The Botanical Art WorldwideExhibition (BAWW) which happens next year in May. The UK show will be held at Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Gallery (RBSA), and also online. If you are in the UK like me, register your intention to submit here.
Once again, botanical artists around the world will join together to curate simultaneous exhibitions of botanical art to raise awareness of the rejuvenation of this artform and bring attention to plants and their importance to humanity. Special events will also be held to celebrate the Worldwide Day of Botanical Art on May 18, 2025.
The second Botanical Art Worldwide Project will focus on and celebrate biodiversity in the crops that have been closely associated with the human species over thousands of years. The theme is designed to draw attention to the vast variety of food and useful plants available, in contrast with the relatively few varieties currently used in mass cultivation. Plants eligible for inclusion are those cultivated for food, textiles, building, energy, and medicine. Currently, many heritage species and varieties are only cultivated in small quantities by specialist growers on a limited scale. It is vital to promote this genetic diversity in a world challenged by a growing population, changing climate, and habitat losses. (BAWW)
book review: if you are looking for a lovely botanical art read check out this elegant green book “Bloom” by author Rachel Giles. In their description, Tate Publishing says:
“Artists have always been captivated by the colour, beauty and exoticism of flowers. Their fragility is a reminder to seize the day, while their rich sensory appeal jolts us into the present moment. In many cultures, they’ve become a metaphor for life’s milestones, whether joyful or sad. Bloom explores the way art, flowers and emotion entwine, featuring over one hundred works from artists including Tracy Emin, David Hockney, Winifred Nicholson and Andy Warhol. Taking you on a surprising journey through love, sex, death and everything in between-Bloom shows that there’s a lot more to flowers than simply looking pretty.” . Read my review for The Association of Botanical Artists.
equipment: Can I give my desktop easel a shoutout here? It’s a Blundell Harling metal job and has done me very well throughout my botanical painting journey so far. Sturdy, wipe clean and keeps me from being hunched over my desk. Read this blog post I contributed to, all about easels from the Association of Botanical Artists.
pod: Dr. Estrel Hamel hosts a fascinating chat with Shevaun Doherty, Co-chair of The Society of Botanical Artists and Irish botanical artist who raises environmental awareness through her art. They talk about Shevaun’s journey into botanical art and her life in Egypt and Ireland and how her practice transformed with the different opportunities she had from the logo she designed for the All-Ireland Pollinator Group to the set of Irish postage stamps and so many cool things in-between. They also chatted about the practical side of botanical painting techniques and how they can be applied on paper and on vellum. Download S4, Ep.6 where you normally get your pods.
menu: I am delighted to see my illustrations on all the seasonal and ever delicious menus at 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) or they are stocked at The Chelsea Physic Garden in London if you are visiting.
I enjoyed your post. I shall visit the exhibition in May and look out for the book