Deborah Ann Crago

Botanical Illustrations

Original floral studies and limited edition prints

These botanical illustrations are my way of putting flowers into the spotlight. Each botanical study is a single stem/plant drawn in isolation, so that there is no distraction and they can get the full glory that they deserve. These studies are all created using light fast watercolour pencils and can be purchased as either originals or limited edition prints. My high quality Giclée prints are all printed onto heavyweight museum grade digital fine art paper, using light fast inks. They are reproduced at a similar scale to my originals and each is signed with the edition number. These prints are all available to purchase on Etsy. If you are interested in an original or a commission please contact me direct.

Gift cards

Cards for all occasions

My botanical cards are all printed from scans of my original watercolour pencil drawings. These high quality cards are all available to buy on Etsy. The cards measure A6 size and the square cards measure 5" by 5". Each illustration is printed on FSC heavyweight card with a recycled natural brown envelope, and enclosed in a fully compostable cellophane sleeve. These cards are blank inside, and feature the flowers name and a thumbnail image on the reverse of the card.

I have also produced a 'Forget-me-not' notebook that makes a wonderful gift!

Textile artwork

Original textile pieces

With my background in textiles, I still love working with fabric and enjoy using the sewing machine as a means of drawing. My original textile pieces are created using layers of fabric, hand pressed flowers and machine embroidery. These delicate and detailed artworks make a wonderful keepsake. Each piece is completely unique, as they incorporate hand pressed flowers and leaves. Please contact me for further information or to enquire about a commission, perhaps using your wedding flowers.

GRAPHITE DRAWINGS

Black and white original artwork and limited edition prints

These large graphite floral studies are magnified sections of flowers. My intention is to make the viewer look at a specific flower in a more intimate way. By removing the distraction of colour, I aim to show the detail, patterns and form of the flowers that I find so fascinating. I have always enjoyed the medium of graphite and still love working in this way. These are available as mounted and framed originals or Giclée Limited Edition prints (1/100) printed to order. Each illustration is approximately 15" square. Please contact me for further information or visit Etsy to order a print.

Bridal Bouquet Commissions

Unique floral illustrations

I love working on commissions for unique wedding or anniversary gifts. I can draw the full bouquet, a collection of flowers from the bride's bouquet or an individual floral study featuring the main flower. This can be in either graphite or watercolour pencil depending on the look you require. Each drawing is signed and dated (I can date the artwork with the wedding or anniversary date). Please contact me for further information.

A bit about me

I was born and grew up in Cornwall, where I still visit regularly, but I currently live in West Sussex. With my love of gardens, the countryside and working on our own garden, I am never short of inspiration. I studied Woven Textile Design at Loughborough University and have worked creating designs for interior textiles for more than 15 years. My textile artwork based on 'The Lost Gardens of Heligan' in Cornwall was featured in 'Gardens Illustrated' magazine and was exhibited at a few exhibitions in the Midlands and the South of England. 'The Lost Gardens of Heligan' also commissioned me to design a tea towel which was sold in their on-site shop. My other commissions include the creation of artwork for a bedding company in Ireland and many private commissions over the years. After several years of designing for interior textiles both as freelance and an in-house designer, I have again been drawn back to my love of drawing and I am now a member of Horsham Artists and the newly formed 'Horsham School of Botanical Art'.

I have always enjoyed the beauty, variety and intricacy of flowers, the tactile nature of fabric and the medium of pencil. I wish to continue creating artwork that combines these mediums and themes. I hope that you enjoy looking at my work and I would like to thank you for taking the time to read a little about me.

You can view more images of my work and keep up to date on my Facebook or Instagram pages. If you like my work, please follow me!