1004 Grand Magnolia

Botanical Illustration. Artist Code: 1004. Completed January 2010. Original SOLD. Watercolour on Aquarelle Arches 100% hot pressed cotton rag paper. Unframed size 9” x 12”. Framed Size 13” x 15”. 

SOLD at the Hinchingbrooke Country Centre Christmas Fayre December 2015.

I had put much white body paint over the blue background on this painting, which cracked a little, so I did not sell it originally, but offered it in a sale and the buyer was happy with the ‘damaged’ surface.

This painting was selected for and exhibited at the Society of Botanical Artists 25th Anniversary Exhibition, Westminster Central Hall, London, April 2010. The silver ring is metallic ink on a raised gesso base. The background is a blue water colour wash and the flowers and leaves are water colour.

Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Short of Comberton (who appear to have the only Magnolia grandiflora—that I could find—in the village),  from whom I obtained the live specimens.

Poem:

Magnolia grandiflora
An ancient tree the fossil shows
Millions of years of beauty grows
A heady scent doth fill the room
Behold its flowers breathe perfume
‘Tis loved and cherished everywhere
For medicine and aesthetic care.