Bottlebrush

Bottlebrush and paperbark trees both produce the characteristic bottlebrush flower, though each is slightly different if examined closely. I have enjoyed painting them because the variety is so great. The leaf shapes, the colours, the bobbily seed cases on the stems and the bendy branches all provide a large variety of combinations for the still life artist.

I have one bottlebrush tree growing in my garden, but I don’t limit myself to only using those flowers. The many different varieties from all the nearby streets and suburbs are all carefully noted down, along with the months they are in flower. Then, as each season passes, I know where flowers are to be found for my next still life painting. Actually, any useful local flowering shrub or tree is noted down carefully in the book!

These flowers are native to Australia, but they have gone forth to nearly all countries in the world. They are unique in their own way, rugged and hardy and don’t cause any bother, but are well accepted wherever they go. Like Australians actually!

Next Exhibition

My next art exhibition will be held at the Brisbane Institute of Art from 11th to the 23rd November 2022. Send me a note and I’ll remind you before my art show starts. Christine.