What drew you to botanical painting?

I think a love of all things natural and an aptitude for drawing flowers which was encouraged at school. I enrolled on a diploma course in Botanical Painting at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London in 2009 and, as they say, have never looked back.

Isn’t botanical painting conceived as rather old fashioned nowadays?

No longer. It has had something of a resurgence lately and there are great number of contemporary botanical artists out there creating dynamic and vibrant work. Shirley Sherwood has endowed a botanical art gallery at Kew which permanently showcases the best of traditional and contemporary.

Which artist do you most admire?

It has to be Rory McEwan, a brilliant 20th century painter and musician who sadly died at a relatively young age. He raised the bar for contemporary work and his retrospective at Kew last year was inspiring.

Where do you see your work taking you?

I exhibit regularly at home in Salisbury and in London with the Royal Horticultural Society and the Society of Botanical Artists. I also run workshops in Salisbury and further afield. More of the same would suit me. Painting can be an isolated occupation so seeing students regularly adds a stimulating dynamic to what I do.

What is your most essential piece of kit?

My brushes! It’s a misconception that botanical painters use tiny brushes. We do have them but the important thing is to have the best brushes with very fine points, regardless of size.

How long have you been in Salisbury?

Only four years. Our move coincided with my graduation from the Chelsea School of Botanical Art at the Chelsea Physic Garden. We love Salisbury, a great city with a dynamic arts scene. The highlight is the arts trail which is due to take place in October of this year.

Would you recommend botanical painting as an art form?

Certainly. An obsession with detail might be anathema to some but it does teach observation, good drawing skills and patience! Not a bad place to start for any artist.

Sally Pond is a member of Plain Arts, the leading local arts organisation.

For more information please email info@plainartsalisbury.co.uk or phone on 07961 689159.