Hazel Sketchbook study

This is a study of the Hazel plant, Corylus avellana.

I often work this way, drawing plants and flowers from life but leaving elements of the illustration unfinished. These studies are mostly completed in my botanical illustration sketchbooks.

I particularly love playing with the different mediums; graphite studies of leaf tonality against the smooth watercolour of a stem. Having the freedom to represent a leaf as a flat watercolour wash behind the catkins, instead of as a highly polished botanical illustration is a joy.

The Hazel is a common hedgerow plant here in the UK, and I adore it. From crinkled leaves tinged purple in spring, through the froth of dusty catkins, and the smooth brown nuts of autumn; swaddled in their pale green coats - it provides inspiration and beauty all year round.