Seeds of Hope Ophrys apifera This artwork is inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall’s beautiful book ‘Seeds of Hope’ and represents 2021 painted orchid seeds and 1 seedling. Although orchid fruit can contain so many more seeds, this number represents the year I started reading ‘Seeds of Hope’, in the middle of the pandemic when everything seemed hopeless for so many people. At the same time the environmental issues seemed hopeless as well, but it is Goodall’s positive messages that bring inspiration. Together with Douglas Abrams she also wrote ‘The book of Hope’ in which they discuss four powerful reasons for hope, one of which is ‘The Resilience of Nature’. This resilience is represented in the artwork by that one seedling that will sprout and grow into an extraordinary orchid. Watercolour paint on Arches hot pressed paper Framed 65 x 85 cm (26 x 33.5 inch) Signed on the lower left side

Malus species Sierappel, Crab apple Watercolour on vellum 25 x 20 cm (9.8 x 7.9 inch)		Ophrys insectifera Fly orchid and various accompanying plants specific for that location in southern Belgium. Of the whole genus it has the most insect-like flowers. Furthermore, it is the most northern occuring species of Ophrys. Watercolour on William Cowley's Vellum 30 x 40 cm (11.8 x 15.8 inch)

Ophrys sphegodes subsp. aesculapii A beautiful orchid endemic to Greece, where it is known from the southern and eastern part of the Peloponnese. Watercolour on paper 30 x 30 cm (11.8 x 11.8 inch)		Tiny Treasure Ophrys balearica This tiny orchid can only be found on the Balearic Islands. Although not very uncommon on the islands, this species seems to rarely grow in large numbers. In spring it shows off its extraordinary flowers. The blackness and size of its velvety labellum, one of the flower petals, and the metallic-like mirror on the labellum are several of its most striking features. With a microscope one suddenly sees an even larger array of colour. Nature has so much extraordinary beauty to offer us if we just take a tiny moment. It was my aim to portray this unique orchid in a way that reflected the idea of nature’s hidden treasure by painting the orchid live size, but at the same time showing its extraordinary details for all to enjoy without that microscope!  Watercolour on paper 55 x 70 cm (21.7 x 27.6 in)

Late spider-orchid Ophrys fuciflora subsp. apulica Bee Orchid series, #3 RHS Gold Medal 2018 This painting was also part of the 23rd Annual International exhibition by the American Society of Botanical Artists and hosted by Wave Hill, US.   Watercolour on paper 45 x 35 cm (17.7 x 13.7 in)		Ophrys reinholdii Bee Orchid series, #4 RHS Gold Medal 2018   Watercolour on paper 45 x 35 cm (17.7 x 13.7 in)

My Roots Brassavola nodosa This orchid grows on the Caribbean island Curaçao, drawn in pencil in the back of the watercolour. It has been growing in my mother's garden since I can remember and in the evenings its flowers produce a lovely smell. This painting holds many wonderful memories. Watercolour on paper 50x 60 cm (19.6 x 23.6 in)		Enchantment Ophrys bombyliflora with Eucera oraniensis After just having a couple of pollinia get stuck to its head by a bumblebee orchid flower, this little long-horned bee became enchanted by another one. Flying off to the next one the light from the left follows the bee to the awaiting flower. Watercolour on paper 75 x 60 cm (29.5 x 23.6 in)

Date plum Diospyros lotus In this watercolour a flowering branch from both male and female tree are painted. The male tree was planted in the Hortus botanicus Leiden in 1736. The lovely female tree is much younger and can be found in the fern garden at the Hortus. Watercolour on paper 30 x 20 cm (11.8 x 7.9 in)		American persimmon Diospyros virginiana In fall the American persimmon turns from green to golden orange with a reddish cheek and tasting deliciously sweet when ripening. A branch was given to me on a conference in the US. This painting was part of the 18th international exhibition hosted by The Horticultural Society of New York and the American Society of Botanical artists. Read my story behind the artwork here. Watercolour on paper 12 x 20 cm (4.7 x 7.9 in)

Pink tulip Tulipa humilis Under the synonym Tulipa aucheriana this plant has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Watercolour on paper 35 x 40 cm (13.8 x 15.7 in)		Seaweeds composition #2 Ulva lactuca, Gracilariopsis longissima These seaweeds form a composition of edible seaweeds from the Noth Sea moving with the waves. Watercolour on paper 50 x 60 cm (19.5 x 23.5 in)

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' Watercolour on paper 45 x 25 cm (17.7 x 9.8 in)		Blackberry lily Iris domestica This painting was part of the 19th international exhibition hosted by The New York Design Center and the American Society of Botanical artists. Read the story behind the artwork here. Watercolour on paper 60 x 42 cm (23.6 x 16.5 in)

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