STORY BEHIND THE ART OF MARGARET BEST

15th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at

The Horticultural Society of New York

Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum

What is your personal view of the artwork, for instance in terms of media, colors, composition? 

This is a very botanical painting in that the key for each different kind of maple is very specific, an identifiable, definable characteristic. For instance, a Norwegian maple leaf can be confused with a sugar maple leaf, but the orientation of the keys is different – the key of the Norwegian maple is horizontal whereas the sugar maple keys hang down.

I wanted to show the vibrancy of the color of the leaves and also some movement – some of the keys are falling. 

 Why did you choose this subject to portray?

I created this painting originally as a commission for Canadian Wildlife Magazine, to accompany an article on the sugar maple. But I have to emphasize that it was a pleasure to paint!

I chose this subject for the ASBA exhibition because of the fall timing of the exhibition and because it is a familiar subject to Canadians – I am Canadian – and to northeasterners in the US. I anticipate that leaves will be changing color outside during the run of the exhibition.

 Did you face any unique challenges as you worked on this piece?

A challenge in this painting was that the leaves are very flat, so it is hard to bring out their texture. Also, I tried to show the fragility of the keys, the little wings are very thin, without overworking it.

 What would you hope people would notice or appreciate when viewing this work?

I hope that people would appreciate the delicacy of the keys. Also, I tried to give lots of information about the leaves.

 How does this work relate to your body of work?

I have done a series of paintings of different maples. Another one of my paintings of a Rocky Mountain maple, was in this exhibition in a previous year.

I like trees and am appreciating them more than ever before. When walking my little grandson to the park in Oakville [near Toronto], I am very moved by the magnificent, mature trees I see – gingkos, red oak, black walnut, all kinds of maples, Canadian and imported trees, big towering trees bringing shade and coloring. 

 Tell me about your approach.

Pandora Sellars has had the biggest influence on my work. My approach is to try to bring a contemporary feel to my work, yet not stray too far from the traditional, botanically informative rendering. I like to paint very accurately, and that is always in my mind as I paint.

Among many other things, I have designed coins for the Royal Canadian Mint.  

Next Story

Back to List