Botanical Drawing

Produced in 1920, when James Johnstone was completing his post-graduate diploma in design at the Edinburgh College of Art, this botanical drawing is one of a series of five in the Macmillan Brown collection. It depicts the stem of a plant in flower, with details of flower buds to the right, and to the left, a single flower that has been delicately filled with light pink watercolour. The drawing has been rendered in fine pencil, with precise lines that vary in weight. They are most heavy when describing the outlines of the stem, leaves and petals, and lightest when used to imply areas of shade. In places, the flower buds have been slightly stylised and are reminiscent of Arts and Crafts drawing. It is as though Johnstone has decided to depict the plant as unspoiled and perfect; the essence of its desirability.