Speak the language of fynbos
As a child, botanical artist Annehette Troost fell in love with the plants in the veld of the KwaZulu-Natal mountains. But it was during her time as an art student in Stellenbosch that the world of fynbos truly opened up to her. Since then, she has used paintbrush and paper to express her love for this floral kingdom.
Why do you paint flowers?
My first botanical sketch was of a snowdrop, which was my late grandmother Hettie van Wyk’s favourite winter flower. I missed her so badly that day!
Flowers and plants have become a language to me. A sprig of lavender on my pillow always means “Welcome back, my child”, and nasturtiums in a copper pot on a tray is an invitation to “Come sit and be quiet with me”.
I see it as a privilege to be able to capture flowers in a medium that doesn’t wilt. Plants and flowers have taught me to look more deeply, beyond just the beautiful. I paint the flowers and plants that talk to me. My painting style is as realistic as possible and
I absolutely love trying to capture all the details. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for fynbos and wild flowers.
When did you start painting botanicals?
The world of fynbos became a part of me during my art studies at Stellenbosch. After every devastating veld fire, I was astounded to see how the flora rose like a phoenix from the soot and ash to bloom even more beautifully than the year before. I have always been fascinated by the relationship between vulnerability and resilience demonstrated by fynbos. I see their ability to rest, then bloom again in the right season, as true life lessons.
Tell us about the workshops
We play with watercolours and watercolour pencils. I discuss several techniques and we practise them together. Then everyone creates their own botanical illustration and paints it. After an enriching morning of painting and socialising, you will go home with your own botanical watercolour work of art.
Annehette’s paintings and prints can be purchased on her website.