Vicki Lee Johnston - Botanical Art: February 2016

Anybody who knows me understands that I am a mad collector of nature treasures and in particular seashells. I absolutely adore them, I don't think anything man made could be as beautiful. Over the years I have collected various bits and pieces and even though I am trying to downsize and declutter all the 'stuff' that accumulates over the years I can't bear to part with these beautiful jewels of nature. Especially considering so many were found with my beloved husband and children after hours spent wandering beaches.

I always wanted to paint them and in particular one of my favourites, a beautiful heart cockle which I have had from the early days of collecting.

It just really speaks to me, probably because I am an old romantic and it has the most beautiful shades of soft neutrals and pinks. So I decided that for Valentine's Day I would paint it for my husband instead of giving a card. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful partner in life - he has been my rock, my best friend and such a great supporter of any path I choose, he has such faith in me and the feeling is mutual.

I managed to draw up this tricky shell with all its bumps and crevices and light and shade. Due to a week long heatwave I only had two days to paint it so I didn't expect to finish it in time. I think though when you love a subject and feel an affinity the process is a lot more organic and intuitive so fortunately I did manage to get further along.

The very early stages trying to capture the road map of detail.

Although it was only intended as a card I am now regretting using the old SBA course work paper - as you can see the buckling is apparent!

Getting a bit further into the detail, bringing in warmer hues and subtle shadows.

Voila! Almost done ... a few tweaks here and there, then my usual method of stretching the paper to remove the buckles and it should do.

The quality of the photo is poor but I will get around to cleaning up the background so that it doesn't look so grey.

As usual he almost trumped me with his card which I love - it will be framed also because we love to make plans and adventures together and it also speaks to me.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone - even though it is a romantically inclined tradition I always see it as an opportunity to celebrate love in any form, whether it be family, friends, pets, nature, the universe ... we could all use more love x

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn

is just to love and be loved in return"

'Nature Boy' - Eden Ahbez

Heartfelt ...