My second artist influence at first was intended to be focused on Illustrator, 'Beth Searsby'; However, when researching further and uncovering not much more - un able to locate basic information - I was unfortunately, unable to complete any further analytical notes focusing on this very talented artist.
Below, is an example of the very minimal information and artwork i was able to locate on a reliable source, however other than that - information was very sparse. So i decided to make the decision to focus my time, on another influential Artist; As show within my notes below;
Creative debuts. (2020). Creative Debuts. Retrieved 14 May, 2020, from https://creativedebuts.co.uk/beth-shearsby/
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However, my second Artist Influence, is the very talented botanical illustrator, 'Mary Grierson';
- 'A welsh born Scottish botanical artist and Illustrator (1912-2012);
- She was encouraged by her mother from an early age to paint, but preferred watercolours over oil.
- Grierson was sent on a week long course, in pen and ink - drawing in Suffolk, ten years later - returned there after finding the experience fulfilling.
- In 1960, She became employed by the royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, as the Herbariums resident artist.
- Grierson was the recipient of several medals, including the Victoria Medal of Honour, by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1997.
CAREER: -
- In 1966, she won her first gold medal for 'flower pot painting' from the RHS, and was invited to contribute two postage stamp designs for the Post Office the next year. A Primrose for the 9d and a Violet for the 1s9d.
- The first book Grierson illustrated, came in 1967 which was Anthony Huxley's 'Mountain of flowers'.
- Grierson retired from Kew in 1972 and this enabled her to accept more private commissions.
- These works included a series of paintings of endangered plants for the archives of the world Wide Fund for Nature and a major series of Tulip drawings for the Van Tubergen Nurseries as Harleem, that were later purchased by Key Gardens.
- Griersons paintings began to be exhibited in the same year at the International Exhibition of Botanical Art in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Grierson illustrated her second book in 1975, 'Trees and Shrubs of the British Isles by William Bean.
- Many solo exhibitions followed, while also "starting from 1966, she began teaching a course in Kew, but this ended in 1983".
Katherine Tyrrell. (2019). Botanical Art & Artists. Retrieved 14 May, 2020, from https://www.botanicalartandartists.com/about-mary-grierson.html
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Overview on Mary Griersons Illustrations: -
- Griersons work could be simply described as beautiful - stunningly detailed, and wonderfully colourful.
- Griersons work is incredibly iconic and well-known, however, in reference to her botanical illustrations (They are illustrated to such a high standard) they they almost appear as a photographic image.
- Griersons work is frequently found, as layered textural illustrations, located in-formally 'dotted' around the canvas. Frequently with stunning, little hand drawn notes and relevant information, along with her iconic signature.
Griersons style is simply just so unique; Vibrant & Detailed, but sometimes purposely leaving some areas of the illustration un-coloured, and as a simple sketch, and the juxtaposition of beautifully finished detailed illustrations against, lesser detailed monochromatic sketches; is just SO beautiful and really alluring - especially ascetically, and pleasing to the eye - 'Absolutely beautiful work'.
An incredibly talented Artist of her day. Definitely a big inspiration to me and my practice, in relation to detail and vibrancy or colour palette choices - but also in honour and achievement. very very inspirational.
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