Late May - lettuces, onions and pole beans sprouting

Visiting artists studios provides me with the opportunity to see the mind of the artist at work. Viewing botanical art specimens composed or scattered on the artists tables pulls me into their world of aesthetic choices. Touring their carefully planted gardens knowing these specimens were selected for their beauty both in the garden and its potential on the page is an exciting experience. The last few weekends I have visited Beverly Duncan in Ashfield, Massachusetts (western Massachusetts) and Carol Woodin in Accord, NY near New Paltz.  Both visits were equally informative: learning what grows in and surrounding their studios shows compositions within nature which inspire its voice on paper. Beverly takes long walks to observe the regional habitat and carefully documents her findings in her Ashfield Compositions. These compositions are derived from artfully composed specimens with the immediate documentation needed for accurate coloration and speak to her love and pride of place.

Ashfield Composition-Honeysuckle, Grape Vine and Ants

Carol Woodin finds country farm life a perfect place to paint and reflect on botanical art choices globally. Her most recent subject, the Cobaea scandens is from a visit to Quito, Ecuador. She also finds great joy in selecting regional plants from her garden or local botanical gardens. Not only is she an amazing painter, but a wonderful cook who is inspired by the edible plant-life and truly lives and breathes the farm to table experience. Arriving at 10:30 AM to her home,  we were welcomed with freshly baked blueberry scones, a veggie (asparagus, basil and tomato) filled fritatta with home fries. Besides being by far one of the best meals I will eat all year, the asparagus was fresh from the farm and her grill before adding to the egg mixture. This attention to detail comes forth in every aspect of her highly-cultured life.

Cobaea scandens - Cathedral Bells