In the quest for inspiration, a visit to the enchanting Leonardslee Gardens becomes a pilgrimage for the creative soul. As an artist I’m constantly seeking the whispers of nature to translate onto my canvas, I found myself walking the paths of this verdant wonderland, an earthly paradise that seems to capture the very essence of colour and form. My purpose was not just to soak in the beauty but to gather a palette of inspiration for an upcoming exhibition, "Spectrum of Colour and Form," where I will stand shoulder to shoulder with six other visionary artists in April next year.

The journey to Leonardslee was more than a mere gathering of visual stimuli; it was a communion with nature that demanded experimentation and the courage to explore various iterations of the same theme. My creative process often involves painting several versions of a scene, each a separate conversation between artist and canvas. It is a dance of colours and brushes, where each step brings me closer to the final piece that resonates with my vision.

For each version, I delve deeper, challenging my boundaries, and embracing the unpredictable joy of watercolours. It is this love for experimentation, for the joyful accidents that occur when pigment meets paper, that drives my art. The third painting, the final rendition that will grace the exhibition, is the crescendo of this artistic expedition, the piece where every brushstroke, every hue, and every form has found its destined place.

These watercolour paintings have embodied the essence of a crisp autumn day at Leonardslee Gardens, where the vibrant spectacle of changing leaves is in full display. The piece showcases a vivid palette of fiery reds, warm yellows, and touches of green, reflecting the seasonal transformation of the foliage. Each brush stroke contributes to the dynamic texture, suggesting the rustling of leaves and the soft whisper of the wind. The scene is framed by the elegant silhouettes of trees, their dark trunks standing in stark contrast to the illuminated background, as if they are the guardians of this autumnal treasure, capturing the interplay of light and colour, creating depth and movement that draw the viewer into the scene. This painting being my third attempt is a testament to the evolving connection with the subject matter, each iteration drawing them closer to the heart of autumn’s fleeting beauty. It’s a celebration of perseverance in the artistic process, where each new layer of paint brings me closer to the vivid memory that captivated my imagination.

As "Spectrum of Colour and Form" approaches, I look forward to sharing not just the final pieces but the journey that each represents. From the first light of dawn at Leonardslee to the closing of day, these paintings are a narrative of exploration, of pushing the boundaries of watercolours, and most importantly, of a love affair with the ever-changing, ever-inspiring face of nature.

Maybe you like one the previous versions, feel free to share with me your views and which one is your favourite and why.