STORY BEHIND THE ART OF CURLY LIEBER

20th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists & The Horticultural Society of New York

Riverbank Grapes

Vitis riparia

I think of this as a breakthrough painting for me. I was about halfway through my botanical art studies when I began to realize that I really didn't enjoy painting flowers. I was much more intrigued by the form and texture of plants than the beauty and perfection of the flower. "Withered and dried" appeals to me.

Walking with a friend along a country road near the Connecticut River, I found these river grapes tumbling over an old stone fence. I was immediately drawn to the withered forms of the grapes as well as the tendrils wrapping themselves on the vine. I also knew I had a piece of vellum that was evocative of the river marsh itself.

I have always loved the Autumn and I hope this painting illustrates that inevitable transition from the vitality of the summer to the starkness of the winter to come.

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