Nature’s flowers are a gift to artists in all their colours, shapes and forms. I love capturing their essence using all sorts of water based paints and other mediums.
Chatting to some regular clients on my art courses in the studio, I discovered that although people like the idea of painting outside, they don't like the idea of people looking over their shoulders and casting judgement. So I set to social media and asked the question, "does anyone have a private garden that my art clients could come and sit in?" Jo Banks of the Harrogate Garden and Flower School replied and said she had the perfect venue. What a find, Jo has a stunning garden in central Harrogate where she grows her own flowers and teaches gardening.
The date was set for our first course which took place on 6 May. Eight of my clients booked to attend and Jo gave a lovely tour of her garden which included her playful Golden Retriever puppy.
I then did a demonstration in watercolours of a Tulip. We had such fun experimenting with colour, salt and other techniques accompanied with Jo's delicious homemade cake and tea.
My background to painting outside stems from early childhood. No matter what the weather - I'll always try and paint outside of my studio to capture the subject matter be it animals, landscapes or as is often the case - a combination!
Beautiful autumn colouring this year inspired me to capture the cherry trees on the stray in Harrogate - slightly windy conditions made the outdoors challenging but well worth the effort - !
Had a fabulous time at the gardens of Monet in the tranquil village of Giverny. Made all the more exciting when a massive storm hit the village the evening we arrived - ended up eating my Sea Bass in a plate full of rainwater..... as the restaurant got deluged!
Anita Bowerman
Author