For my end of year exhibition (Adv Dip Tafe ceramics) I am having an exhibition based on the work of Ellis Rowan, an inspirational Australian wildflower artist.

I am making some pieces centring around orchids and native Australian plants. 

It would be wonderful if you would have an input into one piece which will highlight the need to save these precious plants. It is very easy.

Can you please go to the Queensland Museum link http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/Behind+the+Scenes/Scientific+illustrations/Insect+illustrators/Ellis+Rowan

There are 3 Ellis Rowan paintings here.  Can you please reply here to tell me which painting is your favourite.

Picture one, two or three.

You can tell me why you like it if you want. That would be great – But just a number one, two or three would suffice.

I will make a ceramic piece based on the one that is liked the most.

“Marian Ellis Rowan (1848-1922), wildflower painter, was born in Melbourne, Victoria, and began exhibiting her flower paintings in about 1873. After meeting the world-travelling English artist Marianne North in 1880, Ellis Rowan began a life of travel and adventure, stressing the importance of painting her subjects in their natural setting. She travelled in Queensland in 1891, 1892, 1911, 1912 and 1913 to make a fairly systematic record of the flora.”

Pic 1: Harpullia alata with two Tailed Emperor Butterflies. Watercolour and gouache by Ellis Rowan, 1911.

Pic 2: Giant Waterlily, Nymphaea pubescens, with a Giant Petaltail dragonfly, Petalura ingentissima. Watercolour and gouache by Ellis Rowan, 1911.

Pic 3: Alpinia racemigera with Ulysses Butterflies, Papilio ulysses Linnaeus. Watercolour and gouache by Ellis Rowan, 1911.