High dynamic range (HDR) photographic imaging has been extremely popular in recent years. It is a style of photography that is frequently employed not only by commercial artists but amateurs too. This was made possible by the widespread ownership of both digital cameras and post-production software like Adobe Photoshop. It seemed, for a while at least, …
David Shrigley once said the thing he least liked about his appearance was that he had become a habitual fleece wearer. We hear you Dave. Problems apart, he is a legend. A brilliant commentator on life’s absurdities, thoughts and social issues plus all sorts of other stuff too. He seems to be drawn to the …
Not sure what exactly it is about the Purple Rose Florist website that has captured the attention of Plant Curator. The images don’t even display properly on some pages. Yet the retro or vintage (which one?), post-modern, neighbourly feel is a highly enjoyable user experience and a welcome relief to all the contemporary looking, action-packed, …
Well-known to many as the female artist who painted flowers suggestive of women’s anatomy, Plant Curator recently investigated the life and art of American artist Georgia O’Keeffe (1887 – 1986). ‘The first’ biography, Portrait of an Artist, was written by Laurie Lisle in 1986. It gives a detailed account of O’Keeffe’s childhood, education and journey to becoming …
Identical twins pose in front of the sunflowers at the National – Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images. Two of the most famous plant paintings of all time are currently hanging next to each other in the National Gallery. Whether you are seduced by their charms or not, this reunion of two versions of one of Vincent …
Find endless floral design at Liberty London both classic and idiosyncratic, inspired by a whole range of elite designers. Liberty have been producing well curated floral prints since 1895 and their unerring commitment to the stylishness of plants makes it Plant Curator’s favourite department store. Below we highlight a few of our favourites this month.
Desert garden design has its challenges. Placement of an Organ pipe cactus can significantly add to frontal house charm if done well. Landscaping involving lawns that require constant watering have little aesthetic appeal, but design that works with native plants accustomed to the harsh climate have more to offer. This image (photographer unknown) captures a property supporting the less …
Many artist find inspiration in nature and end up representing that by painting naturalistic landscapes or individual botanical pieces. Paul Klee’s expressionistic and semi-abstract representation of a fig tree is neither, but the inventiveness and interpretation of form and colour produce something that vividly represents the wonder of plants.
Ever since seeing Scott McFarland’s Hampstead Heath series at Vancouver Art Gallery, Plant Curator has been a fan of his work. Often using botanical places and subjects as inspiration, he is a photographer who leaves magical impressions with his changing light and weather montages. Scott McFarland Website
Karl Blossfeldt (1865 – 1932) is a master botanical photographer. His talent ensured his works remain timeless classics. Turning plant morphological detail into aesthetic triumphs. Some of the pieces, like the first one below, appear so human. No other botanical artist extracts such emotion from its subject.