Plantago lanceolata

I decided to paint a magnified version of my specimen of Plantago lanceolata so I could show the beauty and structure of the plant.

It is a rosette forming perennial herb. The leaves are long, narrow and veined. The stems are silky, hairy and carry a single dark and dense many-flowered head. The small flowers have four white sepals with a brown keel in the centre of each, and four brownish petals. The long stamens are pale yellow or white. Each flower lies behind a tiny greenish bract. Its seeds have an absorbent coat, which becomes sticky when wet. The seeds then stick to animal or human feet and can be carried over long distances.

Children today still loop the stalk round the flower head and fire it. This is a game that has been played for centuries.

Ribwort also has many medicinal uses. It is used to treat colds, coughs, bronchial inflammation, also an antidote for bites and insect stings.

Info about original painting visit sarahwoodart.com

Rhododendron moupinense

I came across this Rhododendron at Ness Botanic Gardens on the Wirral. I thought the pattern of the shape of buds and leaves covered with raindrops looked beautiful and would make a good painting. It is painted in watercolour and gouache, I decided to leave the background in pencil to enhance the shape and pattern of the foliage.

Rhododendron moupinense is a species native to Western Sichuan, China, and is named after the district of Moupin. In 1909 E.H. “Chinese” Wilson first introduced it into cultivation. He was a well known English plant collector and introduced about 2000 Asian plant species to the West, sixty bear his name.

Rhododendron is one of the most common evergreen shrubs to have been introduced to Britain. It adapts well to a variety of soils and situations. It can also survive in very shady places under trees. It spreads freely by seed and is difficult to eradicate.

Rhododendron moupinense has rich glossy green leaves and it bears flowers which are pink very early in the spring.

Rotary Club of North Wirral

I have some paintings in an Art Exhibition which is being organised by the Rotary Club of North Wirral. It is being held at Carr Farm Garden Centre. From Tuesday 9th to Sunday 14th August. Tues-Sat 9-5 Sun 10-2.30. There will be over 400 paintings by local artists. It sounds like fun.