The delicacy of flowers

We met Annie (and husband Chris) for the first time probably a couple of years ago. I'm trying to remember exactly when. Not that it matters. We've seen each other a few times since, at different events, either in Richlieu (near to where they live), Chinon or Seuilly.  They live in France full time.

Someone told us that Annie was an illustrator which was of immediate interest. A lot of our friends are artists and in all sorts of mediums. They're a very interesting bunch of people. So Annie was yet another creative talent we've been lucky to make contact with.

A mutual friend sent an email which had been copied to Annie, suggesting we all meet up for lunch. There was a bit of a flurry as we tried to find a date. At the moment it looks like  June. But the main point about all this is that Annie's reply included her website,  so for the first time we were able to see her work.

Illustration simply doesn't do it justice. Annie is a botanical artist and what's more an amazingly good one.  If you can, take a moment to look at her site and her work. She's had exhibitions all over the place, including here in our region at Villandry.

Mike pointed out that we've actually a number of friends who are botanical artists. It's something we've not realised before. One is Sue Woodfine. We first met Sue and husband Andrew through an amateur dramatic group in Pinner. Lost touch a bit as can some times happen, but then through a mutual friend in Bradford on Avon, we all met up for dinner. It was great. A lot had happened since we'd last seen each other, including the development of Sue's painting skills. Never knew she had such ability. 

Then there are the South African (S.A.) connections. Mike's cousin, David Shearing is an authority on Karoo Flowers and Plants and published a book a while back, with gorgeous botanical drawings by Katryn Van Heerden. 

Mike on right. Di in the middle.

Mike then remembered another contact he'd had in S.A., while at Cape Town University through Di Batten, whose mother was Auriol Batten, a renowned South African Botanical artist, regarded by many as one of the country's finest.

I so admire all this talent. It's beautiful work. And what skill to paint those delicate textures in such detail.