Tag Archives: RGBE

The John Muir Grove

A beautiful circle of Redwoods rising like columns into the tree canopy, this quiet part of the RBGE is wonderful.

Often used as a place to be married and I can see why, the magnificent redwoods create quite a cathedral of nature as you stand beneath them, just off the path through the Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh.

I am lucky to live close by and the ever changing gardens are a favourite place for me to come and draw, surrounded by nature but within the heart of the city.

This drawing is available as a print through my etsy shop HERE.

Stone details from the Botanics

Botanics Queen Pavillion detailThis stylised architectural detail on a pavilion window is full of character and beautifully carved.

One of my main reasons for starting Edinburgh Sketcher was to highlight the exquisite details found around the city which often get overlooked or missed in the everyday commute through the streets of Edinburgh.

This one may be a little off the beaten track in the Royal Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh for most commuters but the detail and artistry on show is worth a visit. The stag I have sketched makes up part of the stone window frame on the pavilion in the Queen Mother Memorial Garden, which was designed by Lachlan Stewart of Anta Architecture.

Inside the pavilion is a beautiful stained glass landscape and hundreds of shells on the wall, a great place for the children to play and hide but remember to also look outside for the stag!

Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh website

Sketch made with pen and watercolour.

 

Lights and music bring to life the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh at night

BotanicLights_manytreesAs night fell on Edinburgh last Friday evening the Sketcher twins, my wife and I all entered the gates of a place we thought we knew well…

The Botanic Gardens are one of my favourite places in Edinburgh, an ever changing world of colour, peace and beauty, with stunning views over the city. Since the twins arrived four years ago we have visited often and like to think we know the gardens well, stunningly beautiful yes, but perhaps not surprising any more.

BotanicLights_twins

That was until we entered ‘Botanics Lights 2015 – Seasons in Colour’, a magical evening of light, sound and nature combining to create a wonderful journey for both young and old. Designed by leading Scottish lighting artist Grant Anderson working with composer Claire McKenzie to create a unique night-time experience, including interactive light shows and hypnotic displays throughout the gardens.

BotanicLights_house

Following the pathways we were all in awe, the children especially; the ‘magic house’ (Inverleith House, above) and the lightning tree were amongst their favourites, as was jumping over the swinging spot lights.  For me I could of watched and listened to the illuminated Glasshouse and its orchestral rhythms for hours.

These are my sketches from the evening, some hastily scribbled in the dark, others from memory whilst sipping a mulled wine in the warmth of the gardens restaurant.

BotanicLights_onetree

Botanics Lights 2015 runs nightly until 22 November, an adult ticket costs £14 but you can get a family ticket for £38. For more information follow the link below.

 

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh website