Blooming Brilliance: Exploring Nature’s Palette In ‘The Garden’ Exhibition

Art Design

March 3, 2024

Kacey Perez

One of Camilla Perkins paintings of a woman holding a child in a sun hat, wearing a floral skirt walking through a garden.

In the bustling heart of Portobello Road, where the vibrant hues of the market stalls weave a tapestry of urban energy, there lies a haven of flower paintings waiting to be discovered. Amelia Maxwell Art Advisory presents “The Garden,” an International Women’s Day exhibition at the J/M Gallery, inviting you to escape the rigidity of everyday life and immerse yourself in the organic splendor of nature as captured by two remarkable artists: Camilla Perkins and Rachel Bottomley.

In a world often defined by structure and language, Perkins and Bottomley offer a refreshing departure. They invite viewers to explore the untamed beauty of the natural world through their canvases. The press of vibrant oil pastels and the dance of ink, acrylic, and oil transport us beyond the confines of our reality. Their work beckons us into a realm where memories bloom like flowers in the sun.

A portrait of artist Camilla Perkins sitting in a red folding chair with her dog sitting next to her, both of them sitting in front of some of her flower paintings.
Camilla Perkins

Perkins, a visionary artist and illustrator hailing from East Sussex, infuses her work with the essence of summer days and emerald gardens. Her pieces, akin to windows to another dimension, evoke the tactile sensations of salt on skin and the ethereal scent of rain-soaked earth. Through gestural mark-making and a surreal color palette, Perkins crafts dreamscapes where reality and reverie intertwine seamlessly. From her collaborations in homeware to her global commercial projects, Perkins’ energetic compositions breathe life into every corner they inhabit.

Bottomley, a contemporary painter with a passion for color and pattern, channels her love of nature and textile design into kaleidoscopic creations that defy convention. Layering mediums with abandon, Bottomley’s work is filled with dynamic energy, each stroke a testament to the joyous symphony of hues found in the natural world. With exaggerated lines and playful compositions, she transforms still life into vibrant flower paintings with movement and rhythm, inviting us to dance alongside her colorful brushstrokes.

A photo of Rachel Bottomley sitting at her desk in her studio with her desk covered in paint brushes, pastels and other art tools with her art hanging on the wall to her right.
Rachel Bottomley in her studio.

In “The Garden,” Perkins and Bottomley have cultivated a sanctuary of delight, a testament to the enduring allure of nature’s palette. From Bottomley’s ceramic bouquets, set against geometric backdrops that amplify their intricacies, to Perkins’ sweeping landscapes where figures of women and children frolic amidst a riot of floral abundance, each piece offers a glimpse into a world where serenity and exuberance coexist in perfect harmony.

As “The Garden” unfolds its petals on March 8th, let us heed the call of nature’s siren song and lose ourselves in the boundless beauty of these visionary artists. For in their brushstrokes lies not only artistry, but a profound reminder of the transformative power of nature to uplift, inspire, and awaken the soul. Join us on this journey of discovery, where every canvas is a portal to a world where joy blossoms eternal.


Credits & Resources:

Additional articles on Amelia Maxwell Art Advisory from The House Magazine.

Follow Camilla Perkins | @camillaperkins_

Follow Rachel Bottomley | @rachel.bottomley

Exhibition presented by Amelia Maxwell Art Advisory | @ameliamaxwellartadvisory

Exhibition hosted at J/M Gallery, London | @jmgallerylondon