This week we had our annual Christmas sparkling tea. Ali Dempster, garden designer gave us a insight into what goes on behind the scenes at Chelsea and Hampton court. A delicious tea and a Christmas gift of seeds to take home made the perfect afternoon. A huge thank you for the kind donation of seeds from the Organic Garden Catalogue and Thompson and Morgan and Rootgrow from Empathy. The members will be using the seeds and root compound and sharing their results in the coming months. Posted by SBA – The Society of Botanical Artists on Thursday, 6 December 2018
Author: Claire Kathleen Ward
I am a botanical and nature artist based in the beautiful and inspiring scenery of West Wales. I have studied botany, horticulture and field ecology and am a mostly self-taught watercolour, gouache, oil & pastel artist. I have always drawn a variety of subject matter but became hooked on botanical illustration in 2005.
Capturing the beauty of nature, which I feel can be so often overlooked in our busy lives is my intention. I am passionate about the conservation of the native flora and fauna of the British Isles and this is my main focus.
At the moment I am working towards an exhibition with the RHS on the theme of meadow habitats in west Wales.
In 2007 I completed the diploma in botanical illustration with distinction from the Society of Botanical Artists and then became a full member in 2010. I am now a tutor on the SBA diploma course for the 'working in the field' assignment.
From Palmengarten
Our exhibition at Palmengarten is finally drawing to a close, but has been a resounding success with many visitors from all over Europe and a lot of paintings sold. The results of the People’s Choice are as follows- 1st Place Sue Hénon – Fritillaria meleagris – Snakes Head Fritillary 2nd Place Susan Christopher-Coulson – Summer Delights No.1 3rd Place Amber Halsall – Betula pendula Silver Birch 4th Place Denise Heywood -Rosa ‘Golden Celebration’ Almost every painting in the exhibition got a vote… there were many favourites! Congratulations to everyone who has been involved, and a big thank you to Sue Hénon and the team at Palmengarten for all their hard work!
Snapshot of Palmengarten
Here’s a snapshot of some of the exhibition at Palmengarten, just before the preview. A small snapshot of the other end of the exhibition at Palmengarten in Frankfurt. This was taken the day before the private view. Posted by SBA – The Society of Botanical Artists on Monday, 19 November 2018
Member Exhibition News
Sarah Caswell has an exhibition opening at West Barn Gallery, Walsingham, Norfolk on Friday 16th November so be sure to visit if you’re in the area. Exhibition launch details
Course 16 Application reminder
DLDC application deadline 30 November 2018 The application date for the Distance Learning Diploma Course is fast approaching. If you are inspired by botanical painting and would like the opportunity to learn the disciplines of botanical art through a wide range of course assignments, download and send in your application now. The Course covers many exciting aspects of botanical painting from initial graphite drawing, line and wash (new to Course 16), botany, plant portraits and fruit studies. It also includes assignments on working from photographs and mixed studies to open up a learner’s skill set into the commercial avenue of botanical art. Please make your application to the Course Director – details on the application form . Course 16 prospectus and application form
Palmengarten Opens
Palmengarten had a very successful opening on Thursday evening, with a fantastic turn out and sales. The exhibition is now open until November the 25th. A huge thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of this stunning event.