Petal by Adriana Picker, is a modern take on the traditional botanical tome. This talented botanical artist’s love of plants was nurtured by both her Mother and Grandmother, who were both avid gardeners.
Adriana’s passion for flowers, in particular, has inspired this amazing collection of detailed illustrations depicting over two hundred flowers from twenty-seven plant families and presented in glorious colour. She has beautifully captured the essence of the blooms in their varied shapes and colours. This attention to detail in no way detracts from the botanical accuracy of each specimen but enhances its intrinsic beauty.
The illustrations are accompanied by writer Nina Rousseau’s text on the origin of the plant species and the folklore and meanings attached to various flowers and plants over the centuries. It also has a chapter on the lesser-known species.
There are references to artists who have lovingly portrayed their favourites, such as Monet and his glorious portrayal of waterlilies.
Nina also explains the worldwide reliance on plants for food, including the nitrogen fixing legume family. For instance, the seeds of the strap wattle (Acacia holosericea) are harvested by the indigenous population of Australia, who cook them like lentils.
This fabulous book with its botanical notations and exquisite illustrations is a must have. It will particularly delight both the artist and the horticulturist and will make a wonderful gift for anyone who revels in the depiction of the beauty of nature and a well-stocked garden.
ISBN: 9781743795040
Publisher: Hardie Grant Publishing
Petal by Adriana Picker is available in hardback.
About Adriana Picker
Adriana Picker is an Australian-born illustrator who currently resides in New York City. At the heart of her work is a lifelong passion for flowers, which she manages to find wherever she goes.
As an illustrator, artist and designer, her work encompasses the diverse fields of publishing, fine arts, film and advertising.Petal is Adriana’s fourth book; she has previously illustrated The Cocktail Garden, Where the Wildflowers Grow and The Garden of Earthly Delights.
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