Printmaking Blog | Fiona Parrott Prints

Agaves in Amsterdam

October 8, 2019October 8, 2019
by Fiona Parrott

De Hortus, Amsterdam. Amsterdam Botanic garden. Glasshouses at De Hortus. — The glasshouses at De Hortus – Amsterdam Botanic Garden. Photo: Fiona Parrott.

Amsterdam Botanic Garden (‘De Hortus’) is one of my favourite places to take a break from the bustle of the city. I spent my last visit sketching in the glasshouses.

Sketching Mescal Agave, also known as Agave Parryi, at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam. De Hortus. Fiona Parrott printmaker. Fiona Parrot prints. Woodcut artist. — Sketching Agave Parryi – Amsterdam Botanic Garden. Photo: Fiona Parrott

Agave parryi (also known as Mescal Agave, Parry’s Agave) is an evergreen succulent with grey-blue leaves and short black tipped spines. I developed the woodcarving below from this original sketch, emphasising these special features in the finished print.

Agave. Succulent. Parry's Agave. Mescal Agave. Mezcal Agave. Agave parryi. — Mescal Agave – De Hortus, Amsterdam
Original Limited Edition Woodcut Print by Fiona Parrott 2019

‘Mescal Agave’ is now available as a limited edition print and as a greetingcard. Please contact me for availability.

If you’re interested in visiting: de Hortus is open every day 10 am till 5 pm

Hortus Botanicus
Plantage Middenlaan 2A
1018DD Amsterdam

‘Flowering Aloe’: sketch to print

April 1, 2019December 1, 2019
by Fiona Parrott

RHS Wisley glasshouses. Photo by Fiona Parrott — *RHS Garden Wisley, UK. Photo: Fiona Parrott.*

The colder months of the year are the best time to sit and sketch in a warm glasshouse. Walking through the 12m high glasshouses at RHS Garden Wisley, I came across an amazing Aloe (Aloe arborescens) in full flower. The grey-green rosettes tumbled over the rocky floor, with their flame orange flowers rising above the foliage. No wonder it’s called The Torch Aloe. I had to make this plant the subject of a print!