STORY BEHIND THE ART OF BEVERLY ALLEN

24th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art and Garden Center

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

Magnolia grandiflora is native to the USA and was brought to Britain in 1726, to France in 1732 and introduced to Australia around 1820, not long after the first Europeans arrived in 1788. It is widely grown in Australian parks and larger private gardens, treasured for the elegant creamy-white flowers, the beautiful lemony perfume, and the broad shade it offers.

The challenge in painting it is achieving a balance between the strong dark glossy leaves and the soft velvety white flowers, one to play against the other in harmony – a joy to paint. 

Red Flowering Gum

Corymbia ficifolia cv.

Corymbia ficifolia cultivars are now often planted as street trees around Sydney, Australia, as part of a movement to encourage the use of indigenous plantings. This tree is just down the street from my home.

Its appeal as a painting subject came from several of its characteristics. First was the delightful tangle of the strong curved grey-green leaves contrasting with the explosion of bright color in the flowers. The textural contrast of smooth and stiff leaves against soft, delicate, stamens attracted me. Finally, the play of line and movement in the curves and light reflections of the branch were irresistible. 

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Read more about this artist's work: Out of the Woods