The Passing Seasons-Arcadia Gardens Drawing Project.
Summer Garden Pastel Drawings
I’m very lucky to have been able to visit Arcadia Garden over the past two summers; making trips up to Doug Baker and Charlotte Liu’s amazing garden in Sheffield; picking various times in the growing season and dodging difficult weather conditions.
Whilst on location in the garden I’ve made studies in pastel on paper of some of the countless changes occurring throughout the summer season.
Find out more about Arcadia Landscape Design HERE!
Dry Garden with Bupleurum Longifolium July 2024
Dry Garden with Bupleurum Longifolium July 2024 Original pastel on paper 64cm x 80cm
The summer is a riot of colour and vibrant inspiration, this is the feeling I am hoping will radiate from this drawing above. I’m very happy with the heat and vivacity of this piece; it comes across like a scene from a summer festival, full of joy, colour and variety!
Red Valerian brings pinky red heat to the landscape and Bupleurum Longifolium or “Long Leaved Hare’s Ear” is threaded through the planting area. It changes colour from green to gold and rich rusty reds throughout the seasons The flowers of 5 or 6 pointed petals are seen in the bottom right-ish area of my drawing.
Tall Herbs, Arcadia Garden 11th August 2023
Tall Herbs, Arcadia Garden 11th August 2023 Original pastel on paper 64cm x 80cm
The drawing above is from the Tall Herbaceous area of Arcadia garden in September 2023. I was particularly fascinated by the tall, sinister stems delicately unfurling at the centre amidst the merry colours of the summer plants and dappled shade.
The contrasts of the garden always fascinate me whether it is through light and shade, colour, texture or space.
Dry Garden Arcadia garden, Mid August 2023
Dry Garden, Arcadia Garden Mid August 2023 Original pastel on paper 64cm x 80cm
In the dry garden the plants grow lower to the ground, the soil is thin and poorer, this is all part of the plan of varied environments Doug and Charlotte have created in their garden in order to test the resilience and compatibility of various plant communities in various conditions.
On this day the dry garden was a busy area of sweet blooms dotted amongst each other, mixing happily together with textured seed heads from earlier in the year giving reminders of the previous season.
At the bottom left Charlotte’s favourite little pink Diascia pops its head out looking delightful and the taller, pale blue Agapanthus is flowering centre stage, stealing the show!
Tall Herb Garden August 2024
Tall Herb Garden August 2024 Original pastel on paper 80cm x 64cm
I was amazed by the towering candy floss pink blooms of Filipendula Rubra and layers of fascinating plants all the way down to ground level. I noticed how many of the plants support each other in reaching up for light and sunshine, surely a sign of a thriving community! This is one of only two portrait format drawings I’ve made.
Dry Garden SeptemberArcadia Garden 2023
Dry Garden SeptemberArcadia Gardens 2023 Original pastel on paper 64cm x 80cm
The rich deep colours of late summer add a sense of luxury to the Tall Herbaceous garden here.
The Agapanthus has formed emerald green seeds which dangle like jewels and the Sedum creates wonderful puddle shaped flower heads of richest red against a contrast of dramatic shadows .
This drawing really brings out the tapestry like quality of the garden plants, layered and woven amongst each other.
“In Arcadia” Exhibition Coming Soon!
I’m excited to let you know that these original drawings and others plus paintings developed from the studies will be exhibited in 2025/26 in my first solo art show for a while.
Please join my mailing list to receive updates of the forthcoming "In Arcadia" touring exhibition exhibition which is planned for 2025/26 and for priority opportunity to purchase when artworks become available. You’ll find the sign up box at the bottom of this page.
Limited edition A2 (42cm x 59cm) signed, Giclee prints of these drawings are currently available for purchase unframed HERE!