A local seasonal study to share today. This avenue of Lime Trees can be found at Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire. It’s particularly special at this time of year, as the Spring bulbs emerge. These delicate blue/mauve Chionodoxa, also known as ‘Glory of the Snow’, were always going to present a painting challenge. The blooms are so small and intricate. But they present themselves here as a wonderful carpet of colour… so hopefully my brush splotches and hints at the flower outlines create the right impression.
The Lime Tree Walk with Chionodoxa (2025)
The trees themselves are rather magnificent shapes. Quite sculptural, with many sturdy limbs ending in knotted fists. They have been trained over the years to form this delightful avenue behind the main house. The landscape disappears out into farmland and fields beyond here. The illustration is completed using acrylic and ink on a 30 x 30cm canvas and presented in a black floater frame.
This was a partly self initiated piece. But it was prompted by suggestions from the team at Mottisfont. I’ll certainly be trying this one out as a greeting card to see if we can recreate that vibrant Spring colour. The delicate Chionodoxa has been on the list for a while and I was delighted to finally find some time for it.
I have a ‘little book’ of ideas and requests for scenes you’d like to see. I’m having great fun delving into those suggestions… so if you’d like to get in touch and add to my wish-list, you can send me a message using the contact form. Or find/follow me on one of my socials: https://linktr.ee/illustrationbyjonathan.
