Pulcherrima Solum ex Labore (Beauty Only Through Hard Work)

   Last June I graduated from the Botanical Art and Illustration program at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, New York. Many hours were spent back at the drawing board completing my final project. I painted plants that grow in this zone that are used in Chinese herbal medicine. The final project consisted of images of persimmon, Asian pear, aconite and gingko. A fifth image was painted with elements from each plant. The idea for the project began many years ago when I completed the foundational work at the NYBG. When I decided to finally finish my certificate, I enlisted the support for the approval from gifted teachers and mentors. 

      The very first drawing was sketched on a little sheet of 3x5 paper (shown below). The four principle plants were roughly drawn with graphite and colour pencils. Once the concept was established and the project was approved by the director at NYBG, I proceeded to do the five graphite drawings on vellum tracing paper. I am including one of the images in this post, the Gingko. Another round of approval was needed to then proceed to the final painting process for the five images.  The final images were watercolour and color pencil. Once the images were completed they were presented to a jury. After I was passed by the jury, I was then eligible for graduation. 

The day after graduation, there was a small and wonderful miracle that happened. I saw a beautiful botanical image by an artist in Europe. Her piece had been granted an award. When I read about her, I learned that she had just graduated from a program based in England through the Society of Botanical Artists. (SBA). Their website is soc-botanical-artists.org. The moment that I saw the quality of the work of their graduates, I knew that I needed to apply. And so I did, and I was accepted. 

During the period between my graduation from NYBG and my new program in England, I spent many hours drawing and taking pictures from my garden and the East End of Long Island. I also slowly amassed a substantial watercolour paint collection. I have been collecting paints for almost two years, trying the best ones and generously giving each brand and style a chance in my botanical journal.

  

     In January, I had the good fortune of meeting my tutors and cohort in London. I saw them demonstrate their beautiful work. They shared their techniques, gave us guidance on how to proceed with assignments and lent us their sincere encouragement. 

   My first assignments have been shipped to England, and so the new journey for the next 27 months begins. I now draw and paint on average of 2-3 hours a day in addition to attending to my private practice. It will be a big journey but I am delighted to in the company of such skilled professionals and serious botanical artists. 

   

   The moto for the program is 'Pulcherrima Solum ex Labore'. This translates as 'Beauty only through hard work'. This motto is one that I personally live by myself. It is through time, patience and persistence that meaningful and true beauty emerge, and we are rewarded with excellence and inspiration.