.png)
Shop The Illuminated Garden Collection
Watercolour prints inspired by illuminated manuscripts
Welcome to Illuminated Garden, my little collection of botanical watercolour art inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts.
Each piece takes inspiration from the detailed borders, floral symbolism and tiny scenes found in these incredibly ornate books. I wanted this collection to feel as though it belongs inside a medieval book of hours, with delicate flowers, intricate swirls, coffee stained backgrounds and lil sparkles of gold.
Illuminated manuscripts are one of my biggest inspirations as an artist. The ornate borders, gilded details and symbolism hidden within flowers are all so dear to my heart. I wanted to paint even more for this medieval garden, but alas, I ran out of time!
Next year, I’ll be reembarking on my quest to paint women with weapons in delicate watercolour, surrounded by ornate floral frames. I already have more pieces sketched out, and I can’t wait to paint them and add sparkles!
This collection is full of miniature botanical watercolour art inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts. I wanted to create little pieces that could be tucked into journals and diaries, almost like the illustrations you might discover inside an ornate old book.
I’ve painted three A7 watercolour art prints and two pieces of journal dust, each with its own flowers, intricate details and gilded touches. I’ve also sketched three A5 paintings that I’m excited to work on next year, along with taller journal dust pieces that you’ll be able to tuck into your journal margins.
I did SO much research into the flowers and plants commonly found in illuminated manuscripts, looking at their colours, symbolism and how they were used in decorative borders. I ended up painting:
-
Blackberries
-
Violets
-
Daisies
-
Bluebells
-
Bleeding hearts
They were all such fun to paint, and each brought its own colour and character to these little botanical illustrations. I especially love how the flowers work alongside the ornate borders and gold details.
-
As part of my usual process, I start with a pencil grid and start sketching flowers based on my research and my botanical books. I then use my uni-ball fine liner to do my line art! (I love this pen, as it’s waterproof!). I then start on my watercolour, starting from light to dark. Once the main piece is complete, I paint the background using coffee and I gild using gold ink to make it shiny.