Ruth S Harris

I have a passion for watercolours and love to play with colour, exploring the effect of combining pigment and water on the paper. Challenging the traditional view that watercolours are pale and washy, I love vibrant colour used in exciting combinations. I am especially drawn to flowers, their three dimensional forms presenting endless challenges.

Recently I have been focusing more on pale flowers for my “Pale Beauties” exhibition at the Kington Gallery. Whether it’s the softest whisper of primroses, the sunny yellow of daffodils, the pastel shades of hydrangeas or the pure whites of daisies this presents another unique challenge – how to set them off without the surroundings stealing the limelight.

My ambition when I start work on a new piece is to capture much more than a likeness. I would like to evoke feelings and moods for the viewer, catch that special something, the essence of the flower on the paper – a moment in time that can never be repeated.

I have recently had a solo exhibition at the Kington Gallery, Kington, Herefordshire, and my work is in private collections throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Canada.

Six of my paintings were chosen for a set of greeting cards, published by Fidget Clubcards in 2010.

I won the SAA Amateur Artist of the Year 2012 for my painting “Cosmic Poppies”.

I have a new calendar of my floral watercolours now available – a perfect Christmas gift!