The first in a series of watercolour paintings featuring much-loved scenes of RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate has been unveiled.
The rare Maytenus boaria tree – a landmark feature of the garden’s 375ft-long Main Borders – is the subject of the first of twelve garden scenes which will be re-created by the garden’s new year-long Artist-in-Residence, Anita Bowerman, from now until September 2019.
Anita is painting well-known garden vistas – from the famous Winter Walk to the vibrant spring colour and beauty of the Streamside – using her signature technique of painting with natural items she finds on the ground – from fallen twigs and leaves to moss, grass, feathers and stones.
Yorkshire artist Anita explained:
I’ve always been fascinated with nature, wildlife and the outdoors so it seemed perfectly logical for me to make the most of Mother Nature’s bounty to re-create scenes from nature itself. The garden offers such a beautiful and inspiring backdrop and I’m looking forward to capturing its iconic scenes which people will instantly recognise as Harlow Carr.
Anita prefers to paint each garden scene in situ rather than relying on a photograph or sketch. She uses a horizontal canvas rather than a traditional upright easel and works predominantly in watercolour and acrylic.
Anita said:
You’ll find me in the garden in all weathers; I think the odd drop of rain or wind-blown blossom really adds to the authenticity of my paintings. I try to incorporate whatever nature throws at me into the scenes as well as making Impressionistic-style marks using my natural painting tools. For me, it’s the best way to capture the atmosphere, light and true essence of the subject.
Each original painting will be available to view in RHS Garden Harlow Carr’s entrance conservatory during the month it represents, with prints available to view and buy from Anita’s Victorian art studio in Harrogate or via her website www.anitabowerman.co.uk. The full collection will go on display for the first time at Harlow Carr’s annual flower show from 21 – 23 June 2019.
Leeds-born Anita has been an artist for more than 20 years and formerly worked as a buyer at Liberty London, the world-famous Regent Street store, as well as at Burberry and House of Fraser. She paints around the picturesque Yorkshire countryside and displays her work in The Dove Tree Art Studio. Anita was the first Official Artist of the Tour de Yorkshire in 2015.
