Bodnant Gardens, Wales

small detail from 'Camelia' painting, oil paint with stiched elementThis motif came from Bodnant Garden in North Wales. We went on holiday there for Easter in 2003, and visited the gardens where the Camelia and rhododendrons were in full bloom.

The first visit was a walk round, exploration of the gardens and visit to the teashop. I’d found my motifs, and needed to go back to draw uninterrupted.

The next visit was specifically for artistic purposes. Friends came with me but were drawing as well.  We took a picnic, and had a wonderful day exploring and drawing. My friend’s daughter said, ‘I think this must be paradise’. It certainly felt like that as we drew the curled up fronds of ferns and camellias.

I have taken prints from the resulting oil paintings I made, had them framed and given them as wedding gifts.