Biome Boxes
My first biome box was created on a visit to Dartmoor National Park in summer when the heather was out. Using mixed media (watercolour paints, graphite, oil pastel and collage papers) I created an abstract representation of the colours, textures and feeling of the moors, inspired by the mauve heather, rust-coloured bracken, green moss and cream-coloured egg shell which I found under a tree. Since this initial discovery, I have developed and improved the biome box structure and have experimented with the use of encaustic wax, as in ‘Misty Morning Walk at FarmEd’, with pressed flowers, seeds, etc. sealed in encaustic wax over the mixed media colours and textures.
Misty Morning at FarmEd
Sketching at FarmEd most Tuesdays with the other FarmArt artists has been so interesting – each morning is quite different throughout the year. The morning that inspired this biome box was misty with beautiful diffused light, making the plants faint, pastel colours. I used my natural watercolour paints, white gouache paint, collage papers, pressed flowers and encaustic wax to achieve this ethereal feel.
Meadow Moments
This biome box is inspired by the 40 metre wide strip of meadow at the edge of the farmer’s field near my home. Using mixed media – natural inks, collage papers, charcoal and pastels – I aimed to capture the colours and textures of the meadow plants and soil. There is such a complex tangle of plants, insects and birds on the surface, making me curious about what is going on under it all. Nature is a mystery that keeps me coming back to explore.
