WILLIAM COLCLOUGH THOMAS

Purple Prince Tulip, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

Purple Prince Tulip - 40" 30" acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from fine artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 08, 2014.

This patch of yellow begonias was found on an outer walled garden on the grounds of Hampton Court Palace in the U.K. (the preferred palace of King Henry the VIII and his second bride, Anne Boleyn , and later, King William and Queen Mary . Begonias are one of my favorite species due to the extremely broad array of flowers and richly varied foliage, having over 1500 species, many of which are quite exotic in appearance. Begonias are forest undershrubs requiring bright shade, with only a few which tolerate full sun, and are native to subtropical and tropical moist climates, such as South and Central America, Africa, and southern Asia.

Spectrum Takora Yellow Begonia, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

Spectrum Takora Yellow Begonia - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 08, 2014.

On my trek through the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, outside London, I came upon the Mediterranean Garden where I found several bushes covered with these flowers, also known as Cistus. These hardy plants with papery flowers grow in drought resistant 'mediterranean' climates with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. I was especially attracted to the white petals and contrasting star in the center of the flowers. The climate zones can be found around the Mediterranean Sea, southwestern Australia, southwestern South Africa, sections of Central Asia and in the interior and southern coasts of California.

Mediterranean Rock Rose, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas: in Private Collection

Mediterranean Rock Rose - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on December 05, 2015.

While on a trip to London, I was able to take in the Chelsea Flower Show, the most famous flower show in perhaps the world. The show is a spring event, both indoors and out (sort of like a fair) — the indoors portion easily as large as a Super Walmart, chocked full of flowers and foliage of every imaginable kind. It is there where I encountered many varieties of fascia, including the one painted here. The common name is Twinspur, in reference to the twin spurs found on the back of the flower, pointing downward.

Coral Canyon Diascia, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

Coral Canyon Diascia - floral acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 17, 2014.

This beautiful woodland plant is one of my all-time favorites – go figure. There is something so graceful about the gently curving stems, well spaced large leaves allowing deep rich depths to peek from behind, the soft satin texture highlighting gradual tonal changes, the variegated highlights in buttery cream and, finally, the angling of the leaves in a sort of floating rhythm. Topping it all off, in autumn the stems turn a brilliant red. In my mind, there could hardly be anything as beautiful as a mass of Solomon's Seal peaking out from the autumn forest floor.

Variegated Solomon's Seal, 30" x 40" acrylic on canvas: in Private Collection

Variegated Solomon's Seal - foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on March 06, 2015.

Henna Coleus, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

Henna Coleus - foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

Purple Heart, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

Purple Heart - foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

Variegated Holly, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

Variegated Holly - foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

Fascinating rhythm is really the core visual idea behind much of my work. If you will, notice the repetition of natural form, contour and texture. Taken en masse, the elements cause  'visual' movement. Colors, linear elements and reflected light and shadow can heighten the effect. When added together, they create a symphony for the eyes,  and will often unconsciously bring to mind a familiar tune or musical passage. The beautiful form and detailing of the foliage of Pacific Chrysanthemums present a perfect example of nature's wondrous pattern.

Pacific Chrysanthemum foliage, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

Pacific Chrysanthemum foliage - acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on January 10, 2015.

Red Portulaca Umbraticola, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

Red Portulaca Umbraticola - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

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Tradescantia Bermudensis 'Variegata', 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas: in Private Collection

Tradescantia Bermudensis 'Variegata' - foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

Silver Dollar Plant, 30" x 40" acrylic on canvas

Silver Dollar Plant - succulent foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

As we shiver through the winter nights and frequently cold days of February and early March in the Southern U.S., we see here and there a daffodil springing forth from the cold ground.They are the harbingers of what's to come just around the corner, if we can just hold on a bit longer. These were encountered on a late winter stroll through The Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Alabama, along a familiar treed alley leading to the Japanese Garden. From the name emerges an image of the early buds breaking through a thin layer if ice crystals, ready to dance a jig and shake off the winter cold.

Ice Follies Daffodils, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas: in Private Collection

Ice Follies Daffodils - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 13, 2014.

The blossom depicted is from the evergreen flowering shrub that is native to the eastern United States, and is the namesake of the city of Laurel Mississippi. The plant often grows in large thickets, covering great areas of the forest floor and on rocky slopes of the Appalachians. Interestingly, all parts of the plant are quite poisonous. This specimen was found on a rocky hill at the Birmingham Botanical Garden, AL. I was enamored by the white and pale pink of the flower accented by the cool blue-gray of the shadows within, and amazed by the fluted truncated torpedo shape of the pink buds.

Mountain Laurel Blossom, 30" x 40" acrylic on canvas — SOLD

Mountain Laurel Blossom - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 22, 2014.

This rose stole my heart. While at Kew Gardens, just outside of London, behind the historic Palm House ( the world's most important surviving Victorian glass and iron structure), in the newly restored rose garden, I practically walked right into this massive rose bush. After backing up, I was immediately struck by the plant's aggressive vigor, handsome dark burgundy flowers with brilliant golden centers, exposed stamens and sparse petals. Equally impressive was the transition to lime-acid green foliage fraught with reddish thorns on pinkish red branches. This is a Gallica rose with a fine pedigree. It is one of the oldest and most highly evolved of all roses ever bred. The particular bush that I had bumped into was directly descended from the first roses brought to Kew in Victorian times.

La Belle Sultane Rose, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

La Belle Sultane Rose - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 08, 2014.

Devon Tor Hosta, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

Devon Tor Hosta - foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

I searched for an iconic southern image (of my own imagination) of a light blue iris. The trick was finding one en masse (fitting my series theme), as opposed to a single bulb based plant with several blooms. I eventually found what I was looking for on a walk through the wealthy Redmont Gardens neighborhood atop Red Mountain in Birmingham, along the sidewalk of a private residence. A couple of iris side notes: The French Fluer-de-lis is actually a stylized iris adopted as a symbol (of France) in the 12th century; Vincent Van Gogh's 'Irises' was sold to the Getty museum in Los Angeles for over 50 million dollars and, as of 2012, was one of the ten most expensive paintings ever sold. Mine is a steal in comparison.

Blue-Violet Bearded Iris, 30" x 40" acrylic on canvas

Blue-Violet Bearded Iris - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 22, 2014.

Large White Calla Lily, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas: in Private Collection

Large White Calla Lily - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

Profusion Yellow Zinnia, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas: in Private Collection

Profusion Yellow Zinnia - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

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Scaevola aemula, Fan Flower, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas: in Private Collection

Scaevola aemula, Fan Flower - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

English Polyanthus Primrose, 40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

English Polyanthus Primrose - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

The glorious flower depicted here is a pink clematis that was in residence at Chartwell, Winston Churchill's estate in Kent, England. The lovely garden areas surrounding Chartwell provided inspiration for many of Churchill's paintings (numbering over 500 canvases) and in turn inspired this painting. Clematis plants are vigorous, woody climbing vines with spectacular flowers. They are among the most popular of all garden plants. This one was climbing a twelve foot walled terrace at the estate.

Pink Anemone Clematis, 30" x 40" acrylic on canvas

Pink Anemone Clematis - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on January 10, 2015.

This special plant is the signature of Aldridge Botanical Gardens, located in the city of Hoover, a suburb of Greater Birmingham, AL. It was discovered, rooted, propagated and patented by Loren Aldridge and his son Eddie, and quickly found it's way around the country and throughout the world. I guess one can say it 'went viral'. Due to the success of the plant and arduous business savvy, the Aldridge family bought and developed the home and 27 acres which was later donated to Hoover to create Aldridge Gardens, showcasing all hydrangeas in a wonderful public garden surrounding a pristine lake. This artwork was painted from one of the original thirteen remaining cutting plants still flourishing on the park property.

'Snowflake' Oakleaf Hydrangea, 30" x 40" acrylic on canvas – SOLD

'Snowflake' Oak Hydrangea - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on May 27, 2014.

Long known for its healing properties extending back to Aristotle and Cleopatra, Aloe Vera has earned its broad notoriety. Visually, the thick lightly barbed leaves spotted with faint cream provides a study in cool volume, juicy surface texture and linear rhythm. The varying values of green transitioning from yellow- green to cool blue-green hues create a soothing respite to the eye. This specimen was found potted and ready for sale at the garden shop at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, AL.

Aloe Vera, 8" x 8" gouache and watercolor pencil on aquaboard

Aloe Vera - foliage, gouache and watercolor pencil on clayboardpainting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical by artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

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'Goldfinch' Tree Peonies, 20" x 16" gouache and watercolor pencil on canvas – SOLD

'Goldfinch' Tree Peonies - flower and foliage gouache and watercolor pencil on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical by artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on October 06, 2013.

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'Florida Sweetheart' Caladium, 18" x 24" gouache and watercolor pencil on clayboard

'Florida Sweetheart' Caladium - foliage, gouache and watercolor pencil on clayboardpainting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical by artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

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'Sweet Caroline' Sweet Potato Vine, 8" x 8" acrylic on canvas

'Sweet Caroline' Sweet Potato Vine - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

The vast majority of fuchsias are small flowering shrubs native to South America, with the first documented discovery in the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (now the Dominican Republic/Haiti) in the late 1600's. The flowers are especially decorative, having lovely lanternlike flowers in magentas, pinks, purples and whites in a variety of shapes, which are frequently pollinated by hummingbirds. This painting is the first in a future sub-series of 'gesture' pieces included within the larger En Masse series, and was based upon giant baskets of fuchsia hanging in the Conservatory of the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington D.C.

'Marinka' Fuchsia, 16" x 20" acrylic on canvas

'Marinka' Fuschia - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' gesture series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on April 07, 2014.

I was unfamiliar with Euphorbia (yoo-FOR-bee-uh MIL-ee-eye) as far as I knew, when I came across this specimen at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington D.C. I was unaware for some time that it was actually a spurge (which I had indeed cared for a couple of large potted spurges many years ago). Color was the most alluring aspect of this plant for my artist' eye, as I was enchanted by the brilliant pink flower contrast to the lime to gray-green powdery patina of the rubbery leaves. Also of note were the spikes beneath the rounded leaves. It is these rather long spikey stems which give it the nickname, the 'Christ Plant' or 'Crown of Thorns'. Legend associates it with the crown of thorns worn by Christ. Of note, it is native to the exotically remote island continent of Madagascar.

Euphorbia Milii (Spurge) the Christ Plant, 30" x 40" acrylic on canvas

Euphorbia Milii (Spurge) the Christ Plant - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on June 30, 2014.

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Whiskers Light Blue Pansy, 20" x 16" Gouache, watercolor pencil on clayboard: in Private Collection

Whiskers Light Blue Pansy - flower and foliage gouache and watercolor pencil on clayboard painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on June 30, 2014.

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Tropical Salmon Canna, 60" x 48" Acrylic on canvas

Tropical Salmon Canna - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on November 09, 2014.

This is painting came about due to a special moment which occurred while visiting the world renowned Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in the U.K. While investigating a deeply shaded, tucked-away but well-tended woodland garden off the beaten path (within several hundred feet of the iconic Palm House glass conservatory), I came upon the Blue Poppy – indigenous to the Himalayan Mountains in South Asia. The flowers are notoriously difficult to grow outside of their native locale but can be successfully grown in northern zones by following a few basic guidelines. Happening upon the breathtaking blue flower in bloom was one of the greatest highlights of my trip.

Himalayan Blue Poppy, 20" x 16" Acrylic on canvas

Himalayan Blue Poppy - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' – gesture series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on November 09, 2014.

Calibrachoa are sprawling annuals closely related to petunias. However, upon close inspection, it has been found that there are major differences in chromosomes, as well as external differences and fertilization factors which distinguish the two genera. The flowers are tinier but more numerous and dense, and do not need dead heading. The plants are heat tolerant and suitable for spreading across flowerbeds or cascading over the sides of hanging baskets. The inspiration for this painting came from a mass flowered planting at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

Superbells Dreamsicle Calibrachoa, 16" x 20" Acrylic on canvas

Superbells Dreamsicle Calibrachoa - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' – gesture series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on November 09, 2014.

These gorgeous pink & white bundles of blooms reproduced by a rose with the classically musical name of ‘Mozart’. Hybrid musks have been around for some time, having been bred and raised within the first 30 years of the 1800's in England. These days, shrub roses have made quite a comeback, and the dozen or so older hybrid musk roses are some of the best. They are without question, vigorous and healthy, with open, shrubby growth and softly luxurious clusters of flowers blooming both early summer and again in the fall, just as everything else in the garden is running out of steam. Their marvelous scent can truly fill the air. This one was climbing up and over a brick and wood trellis at the gardens at River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside of D.C.

‘Mozart’ hybrid musk rose, 20" x 16" Acrylic on canvas

‘Mozart’ hybrid musk rose - flower and foliage acrylic on canvas painting from 'en masse' – gesture series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on March 06, 2015.

Anthurium is a fairly large genus of evergreen perennials from the wet mountain forest in tropical & subtropical Central and South America. They are quite at home in greenhouses and loved by florists. Anthuriums grows in many forms – terrestrial, bushy or climbing, or growing parasitically upon another plant such as a tree, or sometimes upon some other object such as a building or wire. The climbing species derive moisture and nutrients from the air and rain, and have roots that can hang from the canopy all the way to the floor of the rainforest. A gift of an anthurium from a man to a woman is supposed to signify his enormous attraction to her, for rather obvious reasons. This beautiful image was found in the massive conservatory at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.

‘Dakota’ Anthurium Andraeanum, 11" x 14" Goache and watercolor pencil on canvas (New) : SOLD

‘Dakota’ Anthurium Andraeanum - flower and foliage Gouache and watercolor pencil on canvas painting from 'en masse' – gesture series of botanical realism works from botanical artist William Colclough Thomas.

gallery. Updated on November 09, 2014.

Upon my trips to California I was introduced to the Golden Yellow Angel’s Trumpet (although they do grow in the Southeast). The California climate seems particularly suited to the plant ( Brugmansia aurea ), having an abundance of warm days and cool nights. This particular image came from the fabulous Central Garden at the Getty Center (housing the J. Paul Getty Museum ) at Brentwood, in west Los Angeles. Another memorable encounter with the plant was one situated just outside of the lobby of a hotel I stayed at while in San Simeon on the coast after visiting the incredible Hearst Castle . I will never forget arriving at the hotel at dusk and being enveloped in the fantastic fragrance the flowers emit in the evening to attract pollinating moths. It smelled like expensive perfume, and really took me by surprise. The enormous prolific pendulous blooms are quite a sight dripping below the leaves. Brugmansia are native to tropical and subtropical South America and come in shades of white, yellow, pink, orange, green, or red.

Golden Yellow Angel's Trumpet, 16" x 20" Acrylic on canvas

gallery. Updated on March 16, 2015.

This gorgeous pink dogwood was unknown to me when I came across it in the 60 acres of gardens and 750 acres of tranquil royal parkland of Hampton Court Palace, outside of London. This is a Japanese selection of the Chinese flowering dogwood, Cornus kousa and was named after the grand daughter (‘Miss Satomi’) of the Japanese nurseryman who discovered it. Unlike the more common flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) which is ubiquitous in American gardens and landscapes and storied Christian legend, the ‘Satomi’ lacks the legend and rusty indentation on the flower petals, which are more pointed, instead. On occasions white flowers (as depicted) may be borne, sometimes on the north side of the plant whilst the south facing aspect has pink flowers. The red/yellow fruits of Cornus kousa have a sweet, tropical pudding like flavor in addition to hard pits. The wood of the tree is very dense and hard, as I found out, when trying to cut down a dead flowering dogwood with a hatchet many years back. Cornus Kousa is fully hardy, being native to Manchuria, North Eastern China, and resistant to the dogwood anthracnose disease, caused by the fungus Discula destructiva, unlike Cornus florida, which is very susceptible and commonly killed by it. The ‘Satomi’ actually enjoys a long hot summer, which it will follow the following years with a magnificent show of flowers in June, one month later than the common flowering dogwood.

'Sastomi' Kousa Dogwood, 40" x 30" Acrylic on canvas

gallery. Updated on March 10, 2015.