Dr. Amelia Grass
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Dr. Amelia Grass (PhD)
I currently work as a senior lecturer in the subject of Natural History at the University of South Wales, specialising in the taxonomy of species and wildlife conservation.
I have been passionate about drawing and painting since a young age but have only recently returned to painting with the RBGE courses. I have a keen interest in British wildflowers and wildlife which has a strong influence on my illustration projects.
Title of the Project:
Wildflowers of Glyntaff
About the Project:
The project was designed to examine in detail some of the native wildflower species found on the restored meadows of the Glyntaff campus at the University of South Wales. The species illustrated are some of those which are found relatively widely across the UK but are largely ignored or undervalued by the public. My work aims to highlight the beauty and complexity of these species which are vital components of our wildflower meadow ecosystems.
Illustrations:
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Recipient of the Lizzie Sanders Award for Excellence, 2022
Awarded in memory of Lizzie Sanders
Fox and Cubs, Pilosella aurantiaca L., 55 x 40 cm, Watercolour on paper, 2021
Self-Heal, Prunella vulgaris L., 55 x 40 cm, Watercolour on paper, 2021
Vipers Burgloss, Echium vulgare L., 55 x 40 cm, Watercolour on paper, 2021
Red Clover, Trifolium praetens L., 55 x 40 cm, Watercolour on paper, 2021
Yarrow, Achillea millefolium L., 55 x 40 cm, Watercolour on paper, 2021
Recipient of the Lizzie Sanders Award for Excellence, 2022
‘The Lizzie Sanders award for excellence’ 2022– is a prize which is awarded to the student showing an exceptional level of analysis, observation, understanding and a remarkable level of skill in recording the chosen plant group.
Lizzie was a greatly respected Botanical artist who contributed hugely to Botanical Illustration at RBGE, and worldwide. So much of her inspiration for her plant paintings came from the Gardens and over the years many of our horticulture staff and botanists worked closely with Lizzie. Her sharp focus, considered compositions and fine brush work have influenced many artists and students.
It was a challenge to select one student from the graduating group, all having faced the difficulties of working for their Diploma through the Pandemic. The standard of work was very high with wonderful depictions of plants telling many interesting stories from around the world.
We are proud to present the first Lizzie Sanders Award to Dr Amelia Grass - for her collection of ‘Wildflowers of Glyntaff’.
The species in the collection are wildflowers which are often ‘ignored or undervalued’ yet are recorded in an exceptionally detailed and exquisite way, the plant characteristics beautifully celebrated as you will see. Amelia aims to ‘highlight the beauty and complexity of these species which are vital components of our wildflower meadow ecosystems’.
Her work is skilful and her intensions to give importance to these wildflowers is a great success.
Congratulation Amelia.