STORY BEHIND THE ART OF TATIANA GART (GARIFULLINA)

22nd Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at Marin Art & Garden Center

Belladonna

Atropa belladonna

In this piece I've set myself certain goals in search of a new challenge in nature painting. I wanted to show the contrast in watercolor of textures on paper: glossiness against roughness. The source of inspiration for this purpose was Atropa Belladonna. Also, the dual nature of Belladonna is manifest as it is a poison, but also a cure, at the same time.

In the study of this plant I managed to learn that, in ancient times, this amazing plant was part of the "witch's" ointment, which was believed to have strong magical properties. With Belladonna's help, the witch was able to fly on a broom. And sorcerers effectively used this composition to bring about deadly spells. I wanted to convey these mystical notes and hope the audience for this painting will perceive them. In today's world, Belladonna is one of the most popular and frequently used medicinal plants in healing treatments.

The flowers of Atropa Belladonna are purple-violet, large and beautiful. They have a fascinating glow closer to the center of the flower. It actually more difficult for me to describe the plant than it is to depict with paints. The main task is to convey the transition from light orange to purple pigment and not to create dirt.

The fruits of the Belladonna - shiny black berries, like small cherries - also attracted my attention. They are so glossy that you can see the reflection of the sky and floating clouds. The Belladonna leaves look elegant, oval with pointed tips. I tried to convey a white sheen on the outer surface of the leaves, as much as possible as it looks in nature in daylight.

I hope the viewer will pay attention to this plant and feel its mystery.

Medinilla magnifica

Medinilla magnifica

When I first saw Medinilla, if I say I experienced delight, it is to say nothing! I spent many, many hours with this plant, studying and absorbing every detail. Inspired by its flowers, this plant causes me to experience a magnetic, magical state of mind, and I find it blissful to be next to it. 

When you look at a blossoming Medinilla magnifica the first thing that catches the eye is its beautiful bracts. Under the pale pink bracts, which are shaped like sheltering roofs, hide hundreds of small bright pink flowers collected in a drooping inflorescence, similar to multi-colored bunches of grapes. The leaves of Medinilla are also impressive, but this time I decided to show the splendor of the flower without the distractions of the foliage.

I created this picture with watercolor paints in layers. Using only a few colors for mixing, and applying them with both wet and dry techniques, I created a two-color palette that still portrays the depth of the flower.

In this picture I tried to depict a fleeting flowering moment, "fresh silence," I call it. I hope the audience will be able to feel the magical mood, lack of tension, the density and, at the same time, unbelievable tenderness of this plant.

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