Dactylorhiza maculata
I found these heath spotted orchids growing on the Heather Briggy side of Bennachie. Their flower spikes are remarkably intricate, with each individual flower carrying its own delicate pattern of pink and purple markings.
This watercolour brings two plants together, capturing the natural variation in colour and form, from deeper purples to much softer pinks, alongside the distinctive spotted leaves that give the plant its common name.
I wanted to capture both the elegance of the whole plant and the extraordinary detail that only really becomes apparent when you stop and look closely.
Original botanical watercolour
180 × 240 mm
Professional watercolours on 100% cotton, 140 lb paper
Original artwork
Available