Bloom... a celebration of all things floral. June 13, 2008

An exhibition of work by five artists to coincide with the beautiful Borde Hill Garden being in full bloom.

Inspired by its beautiful surroundings at Borde Hill. The Green Tree Gallery is celebrating its first summer by holding an exhibition of artwork on a floral theme at a time when the garden is in full bloom and at its most vibrant.

The flower has been an inspiration to artists for centuries and has been interpreted in many ways. ‘Bloom’ will show the work of 5 artists who all take a very different approach to this theme using a range of media.

Well known botanical artist Jill Coombs, whose most recent brief, under The Prince of Wales Foundation, was to contribute to the permanent record of the Flora at Highgrove, produces precise and exquisite botanical works. These show a startling contrast to the watercolours of Kate Osborne who works with the minimum of compositional drawing, bringing an almost transitory nature to her subject. Kate has had a wide and varied career both here and abroad. Mary Fawcett produces vibrant and exciting works in pastels, often in extreme close up, skilfully portraying the essence of the flowers. Her many awards include the Edwin Young Trophy. Mary’s work contrasts with that of Jules Middleton, co-owner of The Green Tree Gallery. Jules is passionate about colour and paints in a free and abstract style, whilst still keeping the feel of her subject. To compliment the work of four painters, ‘Bloom’ also includes the work of photographers, Steve & Karin Alton a husband and wife team. They have travelled extensively to photograph plants both in cultivation and in the wild. They both take inspiration from their work; Steve as botanist with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, based at Wakehurst Place and Karin as a trainee garden designer. Together they produce striking images of flowers and plants.

Official Website: http://www.greentreegallery.co.uk