Ann Hodgkinson |
| Art has always been a part of my life, but since retiring from teaching I have concentrated on learning more about the discipline of botanical art and portraying the pollinators and birdlife of Tasmania. I have received a number of commissions for my bird paintings and have exhibited and sold work in a few exhibitions. I still consider myself a novice with a thirst for learning more about the different aspects of botanical painting and drawing. My particular interest is offering a slightly unconventional view of plants without sacrificing integrity. I study plants and trees that we have planted on our small property and take note of their complementary bird and insect life. I am strongly influenced by botanical artists in the UK and also have a real passion for deciduous trees - blame that on my British roots! I also love strong dynamic colour and details always bedevil and fascinate me. |
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
| Echinacea purpurea
| Eryngium sp.
| Telopea speciosissima x oreades 'Shady Lady Red' - Waratah$650 Watercolour 400 x 500 mm The transitional stages of the waratah offer joy throughout the year, but particularly when the buds begin to develop and burst into flower. The exquisite petals springing and uncurling from the bud capsules are an inspiration each spring! All this, while the plant is still displaying some of its previous year’s yellowing leaves and seed pods. I am fortunate to have this shrub valiantly flowering every year outside my office/ studio window in the shade of a tree which is gradually invading the space that the waratah needs to survive. So long may it live, captured and glorious in paint! |