Hellebores... January
winter roses | plantae | big egg
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: Hardy hellebores (see above) are keeping me busy as I focus on nailing these Winter stunners for my offering to the next Society of Botanical Artists “Plantae 2025” Show this summer. It’s a special one, marking their 40th anniversary and Ruby celebration, which will be held at the Mall Galleries from 29 May to 7 June 2025. The show will cover 3 galleries and a longer period of 10 days. It’s always a highlight in my botanical art calendar year! If you are a botanical artist there’s still time to enter until the 14th of February here.
the big egg hunt: I am delighted to have been selected to decorate a giant egg on behalf of The Chelsea Physic Garden, for Elephant Family. The charity was founded in 2002 by the late Mark Shand, with the aim to protect the extinction of elephants all over the world. It is the only charity in the world that holds the position of having both Their Majesties King Charles III & Queen Camilla as their Joint Royal Presidents.
The charity has raised over £10 million through their public art events and aspire to continue raising more. The world class alternative Easter Egg Hunt is back once again this year, transforming London into a vibrant art exhibition unlike any other. Over Easter 2025, the world’s leading artists, designers, architects and jewellers will imaginatively turn a collection of 200 fibreglass egg sculptures into unique and desirable masterpieces. Displayed in iconic outdoor locations, the eggs will be hidden throughout the city for six weeks, hunted down by the public who will all be chasing the ultimate prize… Each egg will be sold for a set price at the end of the hunt via an online platform, raising vital funds for conservation projects that will help protect endangered animals all over the world. As I write this, I await delivery of the egg to my studio. Exciting! My design will be top secret until April….watch this space.
show reco: If you happen to be in London, catch my “Dahlia Isadora” watercolour on show at The Gallery at Green & Stone, in Chelsea. It’s a wonderful way to start the year with their annual Winter Exhibition. This year, the theme is the very broad “Works on Paper”. The selection includes 95 prints, drawings, paintings and sculptures. All works are for sale, with prices ranging from £100–£4500. The works will be available to view online and in the gallery for the duration of the show. Opening times in my footer below.
talk: a date for your diaries, I will be talking all things Florilegia in Julia Trickey’s Talks Series on June 26th. Book now here.
tea towels: Looking for an original hostess gift or maybe a New Year treat for your kitchen? Grab one of my 100% cotton pineapple teatowels (£16) online or they are stocked at The Chelsea Physic Garden in London if you are visiting.
Happy painting, and look out for my next mid month post spotlighting UK botanical artist Liz Shippam.
Happy New Year!