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.
Thoroughly enjoyed spending time on the coast painting waves, beach scenes at Runswick Bay and Sandsend. Lovely places to visit and I'm sure to live! The collaboration with Jo Malone London when launching their latest perfume inspired me to paint more coastal scenes!
I was approached to collaborate with Jo Malone London Harrogate to celebrate the launch of a beautiful new fragrance inspired by the British coastline called "Sea Salt and Bergamot". They wanted a local artist who could hand paint limited edition presentation boxes
I was asked to create a special painting for the prestigious annual Berry’s Tennis Event by Martin Wicks, owner of Hazlewood Castle. This is a magnificent 12th-century castle hotel set in spectacular surroundings near York. As the Artist-in-Residence here, I have many
paintings displayed throughout the castle.
Anita Bowerman
Author