Lesley Alexander- Pōhutukawa Jewels

$400

Metrosideros excelsa

I am intrigued by and love painting the intricate details of plants and natural objects I find. Walking round the fresh produce section of a supermarket, walking on a reserve or urban street hold equal fascination for me! It is these places where I discover my next subject to paint. It’s often the overlooked, non perfect, often past their best specimens that draw me in. The idea that beauty can be found in decay intrigues me and I aim to show that in my paintings.

Watercolour is my medium of choice, as the transparent quality of watercolour allows me to add many glazes which not only bring a richness and depth of colour to my work but a softness too when needed.

I have been working on vellum, which is made from thin calf skin for the last few years and love how the colours seem to glow brighter than when working on paper. While visiting William Cowleys, the last traditional vellum makers in the UK, I handpicked my skins to work on. Each skin or piece of vellum has its own colouration and veining pattern, allowing me to choose the best piece to showcase my subject.

While painting on vellum, I am transported back to the middle ages when vellum was used and regarded as the finest material for writing and illuminating notes, books and similar documents. I am also inspired by Rory McEwan, who brought vellum back into popularity in the 80’s working on large skins and the Dutch artist, Joris Hoefnagel who painted natural subjects in symmetrical designs in the 16th century.

Size: 405mm x 405mm (framed)

Medium: Watercolour on William Cowley calf vellum

Status: For Sale

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