There is nothing quite as satisfying as honouring nature’s last gasp, as a leaf succumbs to the pattern of the seasons and reveals more clearly in the soft, vibrant colours of autumn, the secrets of its life.
Rory McEwen was a master of the dying leaf form, and painted his exquisite portraits on vellum, lending them a realism which remains remarkable today.
This leaf, a Magnolia grandiflora, was painted in Snowdonia in Wales, collected from the beautiful gardens of Plas Tan y Bwlch. The Magnolia is a beautiful tree with waxy, striking leaves and the most delectable blooms. Their fragrance is unforgettable, though they often grow beyond reach.
