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Where do I find my inspiration? History. I remember as a child being told that to know one’s history is to know one’s future. It took years to fully understand what that actually meant, but whenever I am stuck and unsure, I walk back in time and I’m constantly amazed. We might think we are clever but each generation through the times has contributed to where we are now. When I was learning about the things I love, I didn’t have instant access to GOOGLE, mine had to be found in encyclopaedias or book lined shelves called 'the library'!
Just recently I was researching botanical of the past and fell upon botanical illustration. Did you know it was actually once a scientific art? Prior to the invention of photography, botanical illustration was the only way of visually recording the world’s many species of plant life.
Today, science books are full of highly detailed photographs—often taken with a macro lens or even a microscope—allowing us to discover the fascinating forms of flora and fauna. However, before these advances in technology, it was artists and illustrators who were depended on to share the beauty of botany with the world. The job requires great artistic skill, attention to fine detail, and technical horticultural knowledge.
In the past, illustrations of plant life were used by physicians, pharmacists, botanical scientists, and gardeners for identification, analysis, and classification. While these works are not as relevant to researchers today, they have become an inspiration for artists who are paying homage to plant life in contemporary ways.
What is botanical illustration?
Botanical illustration is the art of depicting the form, color, and details of plant life. The practice can be traced back to sometime between 50 and 70 CE when an illustrated book titled De Materia Medica was created by Greek botanist Pedanius Dioscorides to help readers identify plant species for medicinal purposes. The eighteenth century saw many advances in the printing processes, allowing colors and details of drawings to appear even more accurate on paper. As interest in botanical publications increased, the role of botanical illustrator came to be considered a respected profession.
I thought that some of you lovers of the botanical world might like a small peek back in time, but let’s get back on track!
Today’s design pays homage to their work and will be a small piece of history displayed in my lounge.
Things to gather –
- Container – I’m using an old classic shaped glass urn which I’ve paint finished with white chalk paint… if you can’t find any here is my recipe:
Chalk paint –
- Into a small bowl, add ¼ cup plaster of Paris with ¼ cup water.
- Add this to 1 cup matte acrylic paint & mix to a smooth pancake constancy.
- You will need at least 3 coats to give full coverage. Allow to dry thoroughly between coats.
- After a good 24 hours of curing embellish surface of vase with a ‘re-design’ – MIDDY TRANSFERS. The image I used is called ‘Green foliage’. There are many in the range, but this was my favourite.
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