Story behind the art of Rebecca Davies

26th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art and Garden Center

Celebration of Greens

Eucalyptus pulverulenta 'Baby Blue', Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte', Dianthus caryophyllus cv., Hydrangea macrophylla

My favorite color has always been green, which is probably why I am consistently drawn to painting foliage. I first painted chrysanthemums a few years ago and was fascinated by the large, thick, furry leaves and long ridged stems. For this reason, along with the architectural beauty of their many petaled flowers, I was certain that they should be the focal point of this mixed composition. I had previously been afraid to tackle Chrysanthemum ‘Rossano Charlotte’, due to the complexity of the flower coloration. While striking, the magenta to green tipped petals posed a challenge and required a combination of wet in wet washes and dry brush to achieve the correct clarity of color.

Alongside botanical art, I enjoy flower arranging immensely, and my starting point was to experiment with what would look beautiful together in a vase. Eucalyptus is a regular feature in my arrangements, favored for its wonderful structure and height, as well as for its delicate blue green hue and distinctive aroma. Eucalyptus pulverulenta ‘Baby Blue’ was an obvious choice for this mixed composition as I needed something that would complement and soften the long straight stems of the chrysanthemum. I used the vibrant bright pink carnations to punctuate the space and once again add some delightful foliage. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Seaside Serenade’ from my garden was the perfect final element to enhance the cooler greens and to provide balance.

I draw and paint from life to experience and capture the character of the subject, and this selection also prioritized each flower’s longevity. Although I had to replace some of the specimens as I went along, I find that cut flowers survive well when kept chilled, even though the colors do begin to fade with time. Over the two months it took to complete this painting, it was a delight to be greeted with an explosion of color each time I opened the fridge!

I strongly believe that artists convey feelings through their work, both via the conscious and unconscious decisions they make, and by the meditative act of applying brush to paper. I completed the final touches to this painting in early 2023 when I discovered that I was pregnant with my fourth child, and hope that it conveys to the viewer a sense of the celebration of the beauty of life, in all its remarkable, unique, and surprising ways. 

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