A friend kindly let me know that he had seen a bit about my BISCOT entry in the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (The Caley) journal The Caledonian Gardener this January 2020, the journal is an annual publication for RCHS members. The Caley is the home of BISCOT and as such it includes a review of the show and the artists included. Huge thanks to Coral Prosser for her very kind review, I really appreciate her words.
With kind permission from RCHS and Coral Prosser:
Marianne Hazlewood – Gold Award – Arisaema biseasonal
This set of paintings is a true labour of love. Marianne was so committed to the subjects that she grew and cultivated them from seed. This proved difficult but she persevered and the resulting studies are phenomenal. The intimate understanding that the artist has acquired is manifest in the painting studies she has produced. These images are exceptionally well-observed, drawn and painted. It was possible to imagine oneself as an insect perched on a leaf under the canopies of the plants. The precise details are flawless, and the view-points full of interest. The compositions are exciting, cool and creative and reveal the unusual and particular characteristics of each plant. Altogether a stunning display.
Page 83, The Caledonian Gardener 2020
Marianne Hazlewood BISCOT 2019
There are also lovely reviews of all the other artists – read the whole article.
I just wanted to say a few words about Hazel Morris whom sadly passed away this week, Hazel was on the BISCOT committee and was always a friendly face amidst the hubbub of setting up and moderating there after, Hazel put in many hours organising and gently liaising alongside the other members. On a personal note I remember passing by Locanda Di Gusti, in Dalry, one day a few years ago and seeing her sitting in the restaurant with Anne Carlaw, they called me in to tell me that they were thinking about setting up the Scottish Society of Botanical Artists, they were so excited (-_-). The SSBA is now a fully functioning botanical society providing successful exhibitions, workshops and support for botanical artists in Scotland. It’s a lovely memory. I send my love to her family and friends, she will be missed and remembered fondly.