Watercolor paintings of the the rich brown Iris 'Ununhum,' above, and the near-black Iris 'Night Gown' (previous image) were gold-medal winners for Jean Emmons.
Seattle Times Pacific Northwest's Valerie Easton wrote:
There's gold in these paintings
Vashon botanical artist Jean Emmons was honored with a gold medal at the 2005 Royal Horticultural Society Exhibit in Birmingham, England, this past June. Emmons describes the big international show as "the Olympics of botanical art." In preparation, Emmons grew an assortment of Pacific Coast hybrid iris for four years, painting them as they came into bloom. Eight of her life-size paintings were exhibited along with the work of 80 other selected artists from around the globe. The British judges questioned the near-turquoise blue of our native 'Magic Sea' iris, wondering if perhaps Jean had exaggerated its unique coloration. An expert was called in from the BBC's "Gardeners' World" television show, who confirmed the iris' vivid blue as an accurate depiction of the real thing.
"It was the best morning of my life," says Emmons, who brought home not only the gold but a deal for the RHS Lindley Library to buy four of her paintings for its permanent collection.
End.
See an example of Jean's work
NW Woodland Wildflowers and Hummingbird Garden
Jean is one of the best contemporary botanical illustrators in the world. Look for her at the next Northwest Flower & Garden Show
Congratulations Jean.
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