National Exhibition of Wildlife Art

I am delighted to have two paintings in the National Exhibition of Wildlife Art at Gordale Garden Centre, Chester High Road, Burton South Wirral CH64 8TF.

The exhibition is open daily 9.30 - 6.00pm, Sundays 11.00 - 5.00pm.

FREE Admission

If you are in the area and get the opportunity to come along and have a look, it is a wonderful exhibition.

Port Sunlight Market

I am about to participate in a 'Meet the Makers' Market this weekend. This is a new venture for me. It is being held at Port Sunlight garden centre not far from where I live. I have a table and will be selling cards, prints and original paintings. If you live locally why not pop in, I'd love to have a chat.

Lichen and Ladybirds

This is a watercolour and gouache painting of Lichens. They are quite fascinating to study. When you look closely at Lichens you see the most amazing shapes and patterns. I decided to magnify the lichens so the structures could be seen clearly. 

These Lichens were found growing on a branch of an apple tree, in the orchard of Powis Castle Gardens in Wales. I included the Ladybirds (Exochomus quadripustulatus) to add a sense of scale.

Lichens are a partnership between two simple organisms, a fungus and one or more algae. They grow together in a symbiotic relationship, each helping the other to survive. They are very long lived and a single colony of Lichens may be centuries old. They are also incredibly tough. They can stand very high temperatures but can also cope with freezing conditions, which would kill most other organisms.

Lichens are present throughout the year. The colours of lichens can be so varied, it depends whether they are growing in deep shadow or bright sunshine.

Lichens thrive in damp mild areas away from the glare of the sun.

For more paintings visit sarahwoodart.com

Nandina domestica obsessed

This is a watercolour and gouache painting based on a plant I bought at a local garden centre. I just love the colour and shape of the foliage. The leaves hold the raindrops beautifully.

‘Obsessed’ is a new Nandina from the United States. Its leaves turn a bright vibrant red in the winter and as the plant ages they turn a rich green.

It is a small compact semi-evergreen shrub and does not produce any berries, but produces conical clusters of white flowers in the summer from May to July. 

Nandina is a Japanese name and Domestica is from its various uses in Japanese households.

For more info visit sarahwoodart.com

Variegated Hosta

This picture is painted in watercolour and gouache. There are many varieties of variegated Hosta, mainly marked with different combinations of yellow or white round the edges of the leaves. Hostas are grown for a number of reasons, the shape of their attractive foliage and their spikes of flowers.

They look particularly beautiful covered in raindrops. The raindrops seemed to highlight the spiral shape of the leaves. I thought it would make a good subject to paint.

Variegated Hostas lose their leaves in winter. They grow particularly well in shady places under bushes or near water. Their flowers are usually lilac, but there are white, violet and purple varieties. 

For more info visit sarahwoodart.com

Society of Botanical Artists Exhibition

The sky looks so dramatic in this photo. Mike and I had been helping out with the set up of the Society of Botanical Artists exhibition and could hear the rain bouncing on the roof of Westminster Central Hall. Luckily when we left the Hall the rain had stopped raining and the sun had come out.

On the bus on our way home, we could just sit back and enjoy the views, and not worry about the traffic. 

Looking forward to coming back and seeing the exhibition before it closes.

The exhibition is open from today 15th April to 23rd April 2016. Open Daily 11am to 5pm.

Westminster Central Hall, London SW1.

If you are in the area pop in and see a magnificent show, and its free to enter. 

Williamson Open Exhibition

This is a photo of opening night at the 'Willamson Open Exhibition of Art & Photography'. It was packed with art work and people.

The art work is interesting and diverse with many varied subjects. The photography also, is excellent.

The exhibition runs until 8th May 2016.

Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Slatey Road, Birkenhead. CH43 4UE.

If you are in the area it is well worth a visit.