I met with Neiman Marcus earlier in the week to talk details about the event and pick up samples of the new Jo Malone fragrances in their flagship store here in Atlanta.
All of the scents smelled gorgeous, but I really loved the White Jasmine and Mint. My task was to create 3 watercolour illustrations inspired by each individual scent, and present a live painting of the fourth scent at a very special, exclusive event later in the week.
I set to work on 300lb Arches Hot Press watercolour paper, with the inspiration from the scents, an open studio window, and dozens of reference photos of gorgeous rainy gardens and different botanicals.
The second scent was Wisteria and Violet - I loved this scent, warm and rich with inspiration from wisteria trees hanging heavy with raindrops, waterlilies, and violets.
And the third illustration I prepared was for the fragrance White Jasmine and Mint. This scent had bright pops of lime and mint over a feminine floral base of white jasmine flowers, orange blossoms, and English roses. I love elegant rose scents, so this was naturally my favourite!
On Friday, I arrived at Neiman Marcus with my illustrations and supplies for the live painting event. It was a wonderful experience! Everyone on the team from Neiman Marcus and the lovely English gentlemen from Jo Malone London were absolutely kind and generous to me. The tables at the event were set with cakestands full of tea sandwiches and little pastries, and the space was scented with rain and florals. The clientele were treated to coffee and champagne as we all sampled classic scents and new scents from the Jo Malone Collection.
My works were set up at the front, and I explained my inspiration behind each painting; and began painting the inspiration of the fourth scent as the clientele sampled it.
The fourth scent, Black Cedarwood and Juniper, is a nighttime scent with notes of chili and cumin, with a mysterious, alluring base of cedarwood and juniper. I wanted to capture the smokiness of the scent with clouds of pine green and deep grays, and then add a burst of heat in the form of a bright red bloom in the center.
The live painting was pretty fast-paced, but so much fun! The clientele were then encouraged to paint their own illustrations about their favourite scent, and it was great to walk around and see what they came up with.
I was so honoured to illustrate for Neiman Marcus and Jo Malone London; it was truly an inspiring event!
