ROSE MARIE JAMES' STORY BEHIND THE ART

Following in the Bartrams' Footsteps

Contemporary Botanical Artists Explore the Bartrams' Legacy

A Traveling Exhibition

Morning Glory

How did you go about selecting a subject for the Bartram exhibition?

It was one of the possibilities on their list. It is not one of the native plants but a plant that was brought in. I was surprised that it was accepted since I expected the native plants would have priority.

Why did you choose this specific subject to portray?

I have had it in my mind to paint this blue Morning Glory for some time since I just find them beautiful.

How would you describe the artwork?

The work is a study of the giant blue Moring Glory vine showing a flower in full bloom from a side view, another flower almost open and another just beginning to open. Along its viney stem there are several more small flower buds in different stages of development, some still green and small while another displaying a wonderful lavender color and spiral twist as it grows. One section of stem gracefully winds around another seeking out places to secure itself. A few leaves appear in different stages of development as well. This piece is painted with watercolor on vellum. The trickiest aspect was the blue color and making sure it appeared as silky smooth as the original flower.

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

I want people to see the delicacy of this beautiful flower and the wonderful transitions of the flower.

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

Working on vellum since this is only my third piece on this material.

How does this piece relate to your body of work?

This is a new direction for me - painting on vellum. I love the appearance of the paint on its surface. It is so luscious.

Anything else?

These large blue Morning Glory, Ipomoea purpurea, are included in my garden every summer. They welcome the day and give me joy with their beautiful blue color. They continue to be on my long list of specimens to paint.

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