Botanical Art by Laura Watson

  One of my favourite things about keeping a country diary is that it doesn't have to be completed all at once. In fact, this July page began with just one small subject - a fresh green  Garry oak acorn . Over the week I slowly added sketches and paintings inspired by my nature walks, allowing the page to grow over time. Unlike my previous country diary project from 2024, I decided to start this page on a whim the last day of July at 11 pm! What began as a single acorn became a collection of July memories. I went through my Google Photos from the entire montn and picked out images to paint and memories to write about. This was a really fun way to "sum up the month" during the last hours of July. If you've ever wanted to start a nature journal or country diary, but felt overwhelmed by blank pages, here are five lessons I've learned. 1. Start Small You don't need to fill an entire page in one sitting. My July page began with a single Garry oak acorn tha...

  November title page in my Country Diary It feels hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I began my Country Diary project—twelve months spent immersed in the study of the marsh . Taking countless reference photos, making notes, and enjoying the natural world around me. When I first embarked on this journey, I was inspired by the remarkable work of Edith Holden , whose exquisite watercolours and detailed illustrations of the British countryside have long been a source of inspiration to me. I had a vague sense of what I wanted to accomplish, but as with many creative endeavours, the process has unfolded in ways I never could have imagined. Now, as I near the completion of this special project, I find myself reflecting on the growth I've experienced—both as an artist and as a person. June title page in my Country Diary A Journey of Observation and Learning The marsh has always held a quiet allure for me. It’s a place of contrasts—lush and vibrant during certain season...

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady , pages 103-104, photo by Laura Watson, 2024 The name Edith Holden may not have been widely recognized in her time, but today, she is celebrated as one of the most beloved Edwardian botanical artists. Her work, The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady , beautifully captures the flora and fauna of early 20th-century England, inspiring modern-day nature enthusiasts, artists, and environmentalists alike. This article delves into Holden's life, her artistic style, and the enduring legacy of her work. Early Life and Education Edith Holden was born on September 26, 1871, in Kings Norton, Birmingham, England. She grew up in a creative and supportive family, with both of her parents encouraging artistic pursuits. Holden's artistic journey began at the Birmingham School of Art, where she studied painting and illustration. Here, she developed the skills that would later define her career as a botanical artist. The late 19th and early 20th centuries we...