'Begin Again' - An exhibition of flower paintings

July 02, 2026

This summer's exhibition opening 3rd July features new original flower paintings by Mary alongside carefully selected archival works by Howard. 

The exhibition brings together recent studies and a collection of flower paintings on themes of seasonality and renewal. The paintings celebrate the sense of wonder found in flora, from their intricate forms and symbolism to the places they grow and the memories and emotions they can evoke. Flowers and their associations hold a special significance in nature and our everyday lives.

‘Begin again’ is the title of my painting featuring the first blossom i came across this year after winter. Seeing the trees blossom and spring flowers return always feels so symbolic of hope and renewal.  A reminder of nature's rhythm and the beauty of beginning again.’

‘Our gardens and parks are such special places to take a breather and connect with nature.  Many of the works are inspired by those moments when sunlight hits just right and a quiet little spot seems like another world.’

Whether a single flower or a garden filled with blooms , within the landscape or as still life, both artists have captured the subject in a variety of forms,  capturing flowers together in paint is a where  Mary’s journey into painting began

‘One of my first painting memories is painting poppies as a small child with dad in the garden, we have a photo of this which is really special!  Another vivid memory is when I was a teen painting the almond blossom in the mountains with dad on our trips to Spain.  He loved to escape the long dark Scottish winter to paint the blossom, I totally see why! Spring blossom and flowers are so uplifting’

Natural spaces with flowers and trees provide healing and restoration where we can walk among growing things is to be reminded of rhythm and balance beyond ourselves.. Mary’s paintings often provide a quiet escape—a space for reflection, stillness and relaxation. Her work is rooted in a deep appreciation of nature, inviting the viewer to slow down

‘i’d thought about painting this little forest pool by my dad’s before but never found quite the right view.  This particular morning I got up really early for a wander and the dawn light was shining through the trees and hitting the water just right, bird song was all around, totally. magical, I had to paint it! I’m fascinated by trees, bogs and pools in the landscape as areas of meaning’

Marys subjects are not just limited to remote or untouched landscapes. Gardens, civic park spaces, our windowsills. these everyday encounters with nature offer moments of beauty and connection wherever we pause to notice them. Mary is particularly interested in the symbolism of plants and flowers that carry long associations with healing, memory and emotion.

Whether expressed through loose, expressive brushstrokes or carefully observed detail, Mary's work is driven by a desire to capture not simply the appearance of a place or flower, but its light, atmosphere and emotional resonance - inviting the viewer to experience the same sense of wonder, peace and connection that inspired the painting.

Howard's paintings have long been celebrated for their joyful depictions of flowers and trees, particularly his much-loved poppies, which became an annual subject for more than four decades. Each summer he returned to them with fresh enthusiasm, captivated by their brilliance. His poppy paintings radiate the energy and warmth of a summer's day, capturing not only the flowers themselves but also the atmosphere surrounding them and the places they appear.

Los Almendros en Flor – the spectacular display of almond blossom that transforms the Spanish countryside each February,  was another much-loved annual painting subject. Daffodils held an equally special place in Howard's heart as one of his first subjects and every spring. Their cheerful yellow blooms marked the changing seasons and were so important to him that, with every move, he took bulbs from his previous garden to plant in the next. He also loved visiting gardens such as Crathes Castle, where he would paint en plein air, capturing the energy of the colourful garden blooms.

Howard's love of flowers reflected a much deeper appreciation for the natural world. His own gardens provided constant inspiration, from his iconic silver birch trees, wildflowers and ponds to the chickens and ducks that often found their way into his paintings. Long before rewilding became part of everyday conversation, he believed in creating gardens that welcomed wildlife and encouraged biodiversity. He planted trees, nurtured wild corners where nature could flourish, and delighted in everything from the smallest wildflower to the boldest bloom.

The paintings included in this exhibition reveal not only Howard's remarkable eye for colour and light but also his enduring belief that spending time among nature enriches our lives. Together with Mary-Louise's new works, they celebrate flowers as symbols of hope, resilience and the timeless rhythms of the seasons.