Story behind the art of Jessica Daigle
27th Annual International
American Society of Botanical Artists and the Society of Illustrators
Morning Foxglove
Digitalis x mertonensis
Every May, my husband and I have a special tradition of exploring various garden centers in search of new additions to our ever-growing gardens. During one such visit, we were immediately drawn to the captivating display of foxgloves at the front of the center. Their bell-shaped blooms in peach and pink hues adorned with intricate veining patterns and delicate fuzzy hairs mesmerized us.
Foxgloves, while stunning in appearance, conceal a cautionary tale—they contain cardiac glycosides, making them highly poisonous to humans and animals. Mindful of this, I selected a garden spot inaccessible to both people and pets, ensuring their safety amid the plants’ allure.
One serene morning in my garden, following a night of refreshing showers, I marveled at the foxglove's ethereal beauty as it glistened in the gentle morning sun. The delicate dewdrops on its blossoms and stem created an enchanting spectacle that begged to be preserved. Hastening indoors, I retrieved my camera and sketchbook. I was eager to immortalize this precious moment by painting two of the flower stems, showcasing their pristine and dew-kissed beauty.
Crafting an accurate representation of the foxglove demanded a delicate balance: vibrant, intense hues to reflect its charisma, combined with a light, nuanced approach to convey its natural elegance. Watercolor, with its transparent qualities, was ideal for capturing the almost mystical appearance of the foxglove's flowers delicately cascading along the stem. Layering thin washes of color brought out the blooms' beauty, while drybrush added depth to the intricate veins and speckles across their surface. To recreate the dewdrops realistically, I used controlled watercolor washes, giving the drops a luminous, airy quality.
The foxglove plant is not only a visual delight but also a botanical enigma. Its toxic nature, while a deterrent to larger animals, paradoxically attracts small pollinators, adding to its mystique. This dual nature of beauty and danger fascinates me.
In ancient folklore and mythology, the foxglove holds a mythical status. It was believed to be associated with fairies, who purportedly taught foxes to ring the flowers' bells to ward off hunters. Additionally, in the foxglove’s Latin name, Digitalis purpurea, "Digitalis" derives from the Latin "digitus," which means "finger," referring to the shape of the flower, which can fit over a finger like a glove.
In summary, the foxglove is an exquisite addition to any garden. The plant’s intricate blooms and toxic allure have inspired artists and gardeners alike, weaving together a narrative of beauty, danger, and botanical fascination.
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Read more about this artist's work: Curious Allies