‘It’s a very special area in the art world’ - wild flower artists to hold exhibition of blooms in Wymondham

This floral study, entitled Physalis showing Chinese Lanterns grown for their decorative qualities - is a recent painting by Norwich artist Rose-Marie Chapman. It will feature in the Iceni Botanical Art Exhibition at Wymondham Art Centre from tomorrow until Sunday. Open 10am-5pm (Sunday noon-5pm). Free entry. (Image: Archant)

The well-known Iceni Botanical Artists specialise in painting delicate wild flowers in a diverse range of styles.

Next month, they will host an exhibition in Wymondham as part of their Breckland Flora project.

Painting wild and rare plants of the area, the group soon hope to create a travelling exhibition and publish a book of the paintings from the two-year project.

Hazel Rush, founding member of the group, said: 'I think it is a very special area in the art world because it combines art, science, botany, conservation and the environment.

'I think people are fascinated by the detail and accuracy shown in many of these paintings. I know photos can produce similar but together with the artistic eye and feeling for the subject you get an amazing result and some of our members do produce some wonderful flowers.'

Now with 24 artists, the East Anglian group started five years ago with an exhibition in Bury St Edmunds.

Mrs Rush, who was a landscape painter before taking an interest in the group, said that often the practicalities of the job can prove difficult.

'You have to crouch on the ground for quite long periods to achieve a study - not the best position to paint.'

On Monday, September 9 they will hold their annual exhibition at the Wymodnham Arts Centre from 10am to 5pm. It will continue until Sunday, September 14.

For more information visit www.icenibotanicalartists.co.uk

Do you have a Wymondham story to tell? Contact reporter Lauren Cope on Lauren.cope@archant.co.uk