The Secret Garden
...invites you to step somewhere special, somewhere unseen and let your creative thoughts evolve
Imagine a hidden place, concealed then discovered - a secret garden that lies behind an old weathered gate, or the other side of a crumbling wall. Perhaps you find it through an archway covered in trailing vines, or down some forgotten old steps. Maybe you get to it by crossing stepping stones discovered in a stream, or through a canopy of trees while out on a walk.
Once inside, more secrets unfold - hidden pockets and quiet corners revealed as the path guides you through - an ornate bench tucked beneath the branches of an old tree, or a small clearing with a sparkling pool of water reflecting the light around it. Look beyond the surface and your secret garden is home to plants and creatures that are easily overlooked - moss in shadow, insects beneath leaves, flowers that bloom only at night.
Let your ideas flow - something might come to mind immediately, or you may just enjoy the process of playing and trying out new things.
You might take inspiration from images you find, a story you’ve read or your own experiences. Think about childhood adventures and discoveries, or the sense of wonder you feel when you first visit a secret garden. Maybe travel further afield to the hidden gardens of other cultures and the different landscapes across the world - or you could create a place that exists only in your imagination.
This is an invitation to explore, to be curious and perhaps ask yourself, what makes a place feel secret...how can you show it’s hidden qualities or create a sense of discovery in your drawings or paintings? Which elements will be concealed, and which parts revealed in the composition?
Follow the threads of your ideas and see where they lead.
Things to consider...
So what do you think of when you hear the words The Secret Garden…
Is it a hidden place you discover…
A place behind an old gate or crumbling wall
A view through a keyhole, archway or half open door
Buried steps, tunnels, or a winding path leading you in
Over stepping stones or under a canopy of trees
Or are you already within the garden…
In a quiet corner on a secluded bench
Finding a hidden fountain or pool of water
Layers of plants that conceal secret habitats
Dappled light through leaves on the path
Perhaps consider garden life that hides from view…
Tiny ecosystems, insects, fungi or moss
Wildlife that appears at dusk or early morning
Plants that secretly grow when no-one watches
Intricate patterns of cobwebs, laced with frost
How about re-living special memories…
Childhood adventures and hidden dens
Places you’ve been with secret pathways
Gardens you’ve read about - fact or fiction
Maybe a scene inspired by poetry
Perhaps your secret garden is overseas…
A Japanese courtyard
A Moroccan riyad
Jungle ruins reclaimed by nature
Or a hidden rooftop green space
Or do you want to stretch your imagination…
An enchanted or magical garden
Fantasy plants with magical colours
Mythical creatures inhabiting hidden spaces
A floating garden or one that’s under the sea
What ideas are starting to emerge, and how can you capture them in a drawing or painting - think about how the following things can help you achieve the effect you want…
the size and shape of your paper or canvas
which colours are you imagining
which materials will help - explore a few ideas
what techniques will you try - play and have fun
do you want it to be realistic; expressive or abstract
could this be a series of paintings or a sketchbook full of exploration and trying out new ideas
Whatever you decide, I hope this has given you the spark of an idea to follow - and if you'd like to share your finish pieces with me, then please do... I'd love to see them
Please click here to download the Wooden Gate PDF.
Please click here to download the Garden Folly PDF.
Please click here to download the Iron Gate PDF.
Please note: when using reference images, be mindful of copyright. Websites such as Pixabay and Unsplash offer royalty-free images that are safe to use. You might also discover that your own photographs provide the most meaningful and personal starting point.
Colour Palette Inspiration
Colours aren’t just paint on a palette...they often suggest moods, places, seasons or even a new painting waiting to be discovered. Think of them as a ‘cast of characters' for your painting. Each colour with its own personality - some bold commanding attention, others quiet and more muted, offering you a softer, more gentle feel. Some will allow smooth transitions between colours, others will give you light, and on the opposite side of things, give you shadows and contrast. Learning about colour will be one of the most important aspects of your art adventure.
3 Ways to Play: choose one or all to experiment with...
Colour Mixing • begin by simply trying to mix/match the colours you see on the samples shown. Make a note of the colour you start with and then which ones you add to change it. What combinations are you making...what will lighten or darken them, what will make them warmer or cooler…or more muted? This is such great practice, helping to improve your colour knowledge, and training your eyes to identify and mix colours successfully.
Use the Photo Reference • Use the colours and reference photo provided to paint your version of the scene in a medium you like - watercolour; acrylics or pastels...it doesn’t matter, just have fun.
Imaginative Play • Cover the reference photos so you’re not influenced by them. Now choose a colour palette and let that alone guide you. What do you feel when you look at the colours as a set, what do they suggest to you…a landscape or seascape; something floral perhaps, or a portrait? Do they give you a sense of warmth, cold, or something atmospheric; do you see a particular season; time of day or weather condition; do they make you feel happy or sad; do they have a sense or drama or tranquility…?
Explore what these colours mean to you,what they remind you of…then play. The important part is that your painting should belong to this colour family. Try to stay with them and see how they shape your colour mixing and ideas…feel free to add white/black to your palette if you need to lighten/darken tones.
Wooden Gate
Garden Folly
Iron Gate
