Thinking the Plant: The Watercolour Drawings of Rebecca John

Rebecca John, born into a family of painters, initially avoided becoming a painter herself. However, her interest in botanical watercolors led her to enroll in a Botanical Painting course at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Her recognition as an artist came later in her life. Thinking the Plant is a personal record, illustrated with her exquisite watercolors, tracing her journey from childhood to becoming a recognized artist.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2020
Publisher: Pimpernel Press Ltd

Rebecca John was born into a family of renowned painters, with her grandfather, Augustus John, and her great-aunt, Gwen John, being the most famous among them. However, she had no desire to pursue a career in painting herself. How then did this unexpected path unfold? In her captivating book, Thinking the Plant, Rebecca John delves into the journey that led her to create her stunning botanical watercolors. She takes us on a nostalgic journey through her childhood, encompassing the picturesque cottage in the Cotswolds, her grandfather's home at Fryern Court in Hampshire, and her parents' London house, all deeply intertwined with her love for nature and the cultivation of growing things.

During her formative years, Rebecca's artistic inclinations took shape through her enrollment in a Fine Jewelry course. It was there that she honed her drawing skills and developed a keen eye for detail, focusing on capturing the intricate beauty of close-up objects. Her passion for botanical art grew steadily, and in her thirties, she embarked on a journey of tentative pencil studies of flowering plants.

In 1994, Rebecca took a significant step forward by enrolling in the new Botanical Painting course at the Chelsea Physic Garden. This opportunity allowed her to immerse herself in the world of botanical art and further develop her skills. She also began spending more time at her mother's cottage in Wales, where she could work in close proximity to nature, nurturing her artistic journey.

It was not until Rebecca reached her fifties that she achieved recognition as an artist. Her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to her craft had finally paid off. Thinking the Plant is a remarkable record, enriched with contemporary diary entries and notes, accompanied by exquisite watercolors that showcase Rebecca John's artistic brilliance.

Through her captivating storytelling, Rebecca John invites us to explore the intricate connections between her personal journey and her artistic creations. She sheds light on the influences that shaped her artistic vision, the challenges she faced along the way, and the profound joy she finds in capturing the beauty of nature through her art. Thinking the Plant is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the unexpected paths that lead us to our true passions.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 177 x 235 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910258316