February 1st, 2013

Botanical Painting Takes a Lot of Patience

by Alex Hallatt

Having recently moved to the area, I thought that taking some local classes would be a good way of getting out and about and meeting people (cartooning is a solitary experience). I’m doing an Art Class in Axminster on a Thursday and today there was a very  good botanical artist visiting.

Trisha Hayman does painstaking work. She collects leaves, shells, feathers and other botanical specimens and then paints them dot by dot. Her work was inspiring, but I knew that I’d struggle to replicate the technique. I have very little patience and completely messed up my first study (a stone!).

Observation is key and taking a better look (and with advice on contrast, in particular) helped me to make a better job of this slipper shell.

I don’t think I’ll be changing career any time soon, but it’s fun to try something new.

For more of Trisha’s work, please visit her blog here: trishahayman.wordpress.com