The first of two botanical art workshops conducted by Australia’s leading botanical artist, Jenny Phillips, was held at West Winds Community Centre at Woodbridge from 14-17 February 2017.

Jenny shared with 16 participants fundamental drawing and watercolour painting techniques through the ability to translate structure and colour as well as revealing many of nature’s secrets through close examination of flowers.

The end of the workshop had some participants renewing their approach to achieving botanical art and all felt confident of pursuing, with great vigour, this wonderful art form.

Botaniko members welcome the opportunity to be part of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Bicentenary commemoration in 2018 by exhibiting botanical artwork reflecting some of the significant botanical specimens grown in the Gardens over the last 200 years.

The Gardens are the second oldest in Australia, established in 1818. The land was acquired by Governor Sorell and had its origins as the Lieutenant-Government’s garden. The Gardens played a vital role in the early establishment of the colony for the introduction and dissemination of food producing plants throughout the settlement as well as interstate and overseas.

This is the major project for Botaniko in 2017 and with the list of over 20 significant plants, including plants from the historic collections, we are looking forward to working with Gardens staff and presenting an exhibition of botanical illustrations.