Iris …

Iris © Vicki Lee Johnston

A few years ago, back in the days when we could travel the world more freely I was lucky enough to visit France and the Provence region.  A highlight for me was to visit the hospital where Vincent Van Gogh stayed.  The gardens were magnificent, inspiring him to produce hundreds of beautiful paintings.  See my original post with all the lovely iris photos and backstory here:

Art as Therapy

The irises were coming into full bloom and I couldn't resist taking loads of photos in the hope of painting one later in time.  I don't normally work solely from a photograph but to honour a special place and time it's important not to get too stuck on perfect circumstances for subject matter. 

Taking one of many photographic memories

Beginning the first stages of my painting with initial washes.

You can see below my setup with the chosen photo on my iPad for reference as I worked.

Reference photo setup

Saint Paul Asylum in St Remy  

                                                               More layers and detail ...

Wonderful display of irises

Getting there ...

This was a fun painting to do because it gave me the opportunity to be a little more relaxed about the detail and features, it became a keepsake of sorts to remember this special time in France.  It was intended for an exhibition but after a missed deadline I decided it could stay with me a while longer.

Watercolour Iris -  © Vicki Lee Johnston

I hope everyone is keeping well and optimistic about days ahead when we can look forward to a return to travel and hugging and enjoying life at its fullest.  I have been blessed to spend this very unique time with my soul mate and precious family, being grateful for the simple things in life and honouring the natural world.

© Vicki Lee Johnston

Diversion ...

Framed and ready to go

The Watercolour Society of WA Annual Exhibition was a great success in terms of numbers attending and artworks exhibited - almost 300 which were received with great enthusiasm.

My botanical rose painting looked a bit subdued in amongst the vibrant colour and movement of the works in the gallery - portraits, landscapes, architecture etc  with many artists taking advantage of larger sheets and full colour to portray their subjects.

Initial washes

I love to see work in progress photos of watercolour paintings to see the layers and detail bringing it to life.  Sometimes I think I prefer those images to the finished piece!

Starting the leaves

Rose leaves are so complex, take longer than the flower

 I knew my painting would be the shy girl in the corner - botanical art is the kind of work that the closer you get to the painting, the more you see - everything is in focus and detailed.    Many mainstream artworks are best viewed from a distance where you can get the full visual impact whereas botanicals invite you to step in closer ... just as in nature.


I always do a quick check of black and white tonal values:

© Vicki Lee Johnston

"Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way" 
 - Edward de Bono.
This quote was posted online recently and resonated strongly with me, thanks to friend Sarah from The Natural Year

The artistic path has led me down many roads and the newest route is taking somewhat of a detour to my norm.  I am working on a couple of projects to explore a slightly new way of working.  My subject is still nature - still botanically correct - but there will be some subtle changes and shifts in the way I present the work which is already bringing in positive new energy and optimism.  We have to find the fire that lights the creative juices and keeps us inspired and motivated, even if it takes us on the path less travelled.

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