Yes there is good news this week!
I am delighted to announce that three of my botanical art pieces have been selected for the Society of Botanical Artists exhibition at London’s Mall Galleries from June 5th.
I will provide more info on the exhibition nearer the time. Currently it is my intention to be personally there on June 5th only as I fly in from Montreal the day before and will be in London anyway.
This is the first time I have ever formally submitted work for any exhibition. To have work accepted for such a prestigious one is a real honour. And it helps ease my (typical) concerns that I might not be up to working at a professional level.
On another note, I have had test prints back this week (including two of the exhibition works) and am fairly happy with them so hope to have some for sale very soon.
As it is Friday you can also have some pretty flower pics from the garden over the last two weeks😊.
Have a great weekend!
The Arty Plantsman 
Beautiful flowers and well done on having some of your pieces selected.
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Thank you😊❤️
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How wonderful!
Congratulations.
🎈🎉 🎈
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Thank you😊💕
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Congratulations, Darren! You are such an inspiration! We will celebrate the days before and I wish we could follow you back to London. These flowers are gorgeous, I especially love the Iris nusairiensis. 💕🌿🌻🌼🌟
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Thank you my friend. You and our other WP buddies will be with me in spirit. I owe a lot to you for helping keep me happy whilst doing those drawings. The Iris nusairiensis is a particular favourite of mine. 💕❤️
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That’s great news. Yes please do remind us closer to the time. I am close to central London, it would be great to go and see your work.
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Will do and thank you😍
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I am so proud of you! Not only because you are one of the finest artists I’ve ever seen, but also because you actually did this while living with depression. That takes a strong constitution! Sending hugs of pride and love! 🤗❤️
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Thank you so much my friend. The friendships I have made via WP have really helped give me strength I have needed. Loving hugs to you too Linda💕
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And you know I feel the same way!
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Love the red anenome! I don’t know how you could even think your work was not up to ‘standard’! Congratulations – this is a real milestone. I wish I could be there in June! Montreal, eh? Hope Australia is still on the cards!
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Thank you! Artists are always the biggest critics of their own work! I am sure you are the same with your writing. Yes, the return trip to Montreal has been on the cards since the last time and I expect it to be a regular thing. Australia is still likely too.
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And what he would do
with a nail and a screw
would make you think you had lost it.
sorry…
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😊😊😉
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That is fantastic! Completely deserved – your work is up there with the best botanical artworks.
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Thank you so much Ali!😍. Yes, I am very happy about it. The three pieces they chose were not the three I would have expected but I am not complaining. Importantly it gives my work a public airing.
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Lapeirousia is gorgeous!
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I agree with Ali above! Working, gardening, blogging and the most delicate and beautiful artwork, Darren, the days in your life must have 48 hours!!
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I really wish they did. But then I would just fill the hours with other things!
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That is the danger… and it’s ok to stop and just ‘be’ too.
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I’d love too but my brain has forgotten how to stop. I recall the evenings I would have a glass of wine and just sit in the dark with music playing. Not sure I could do that any more without getting restless.
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I’m sorry to hear that Darren, maybe you could consider some yoga or mindfulness class or just sit in the dark with music playing and see what happens.
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Yoga and meditation were both a huge help last time. Both are a possibility again – if I can clear time for them😍. But the music one is something I can try for sure.
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Glad you are remembering yourself in the crowd!
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That’s wonderful news! Congratulations Darren, you really deserve this recognition for your work :O) Fabulous photos by the way xxxx
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Thank you Lisa😍. I am very pleased!xx
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Congrats, Friend! So cool!
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Congrats Darren! You already know how happy I am for you. Such a prestigious exhibition. That’s proof YOUR ARTWORK is at a professional level. You should stop having so much doubts. Your drawings are so gorgeous. If I could I would buy all your pieces. You are so inspiring my friend. Can’t wait to see you again. Hugs.
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You have always been so supportive my friend. Thank you. Whilst I am looking forward to the exhibition I know I will also be a little sad because my trip to Montreal will be over. At least until next time😉. Hugs right back to you!
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No worries. You will go to your exhibition full of positive energy and great memories. Lisa, Linda and I will make sure of that! Much love!
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Many congratulations Darren. That is an awesome honour and so well deserved.
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Thank you so much Brigid. You are very kind😍
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That’s fantastic news, Darren! Many congratulations!!! 😄 I knew you had it in you, you’re one awesome artist. 😄
Thanks for the flowers, they always brighten day. 😊💕
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Thank you so much Sarah. I am really pleased. It was a confidence boost I really needed. I really appreciate your support my friend!❤️
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Congratulations! The pictures are beautiful 😊
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Hello Kylee😊. And thank you!
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This is so exciting Darren! I am not surprised that your work was accepted! You are so talented❤️
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You are always so kind. Thank you!
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