Creating Herbal Collages

"I just love this new look you've been creating, it's got all the details of a good botanical illustration AND it's super artistic and original. Go you!"
~ Paula Swenson-Zografis
~ Paula Swenson-Zografis, Artist-Illustrator
Lives in Vila Nova De Ceira, Coimbra, Portugal

​Creating collages has been my main distraction during this pandemic. It has kept me productive and occupied. My youngest daughter fought the virus for over a month and thankfully, is now recovering. My oldest daughter was married a couple of days ago and I wasn't able to attend the wedding. Turning to gardening and art has been a comfort and therapy. 

​So far, I've created 105 collages!

A friend recently asked for more information on  the process so I've included the steps below. 
Most of the plants I sketch are from my gardens. Planting and watching them grow is one of most  rewarding parts of the process!
There's a saying - 
"When the world wearies, there is always the garden."
​I don't think it's ever been more true than in 2020. 

The next step it so paint them. When I did my course on Enhancing Your Life with Herbs, I painted over 200. It's a six week course and I've delivered it four times, always taking in fresh cuttings to pass around the class so they could experience the fragrances, textures, color and at times, the flavors. Unfortunately, since our class will be on Zoom this year, we won't have that opportunity. Having the illustrations will be even more helpful this year. 

After I create the paintings, the next step is the tedious, but satisfying job of cutting them out. 

Painting the papers comes next. The papers can be used as backgrounds, or torn or cut to create images. Using the best quality paints ensures the colors are intense and vibrant!

Finally, all are combined to create my collages!