A series of 18 drawings created outdoors during my residency at the Reford Gardens

In conjunction with my solo exhibition, which ran from June to October 2025 at Reford Gardens in Metis, Quebec (Canada), I was in residency, spending mornings in the gardens exploring a technique that used black, and sanguine with white highlights on toned paper. This approach known as “three pencil”, has been largely forgotten in recent years, and I wonder why (?).

My morning routine in the gardens began at 6:30, immersed in the tranquil sounds of bird song and the gentle flow of water. This serene setting enabled me to focus solely on the selected plant as my daily subject. By eight o’clock, the gardeners began their day’s tasks, soon followed by the first visitors. At this point, I had developed a clear framework for my sketches, and I was prepared to interact with visitors’ queries, remarks, and observations. Due to my rigorous schedule, which spanned from late May until mid-August, I managed to create 18 finished pieces.

The collection of works is showcased here: www.marceljomphe.art/botanical-art, in sequential order, highlighting the progression of my artistic journey and the development of my skills throughout the season. These experiments will undoubtedly prove valuable for my future projects.