There’s something magical about hellebores. Emerging bravely in the cold months when little else is flowering, they bring a quiet strength and beauty to the garden. Often called the Lenten Rose for their early spring arrival, hellebores are cherished not just for their resilience, but for their rich variety of forms and colours.
One of my personal favourites is the Double Ellen Red Hellebore. Its layered, velvety petals open in shades of deep claret and burgundy, almost like a secret jewel hidden among winter’s greys. There’s a grace to the way these flowers nod slightly, as though they’re keeping their treasures just for those who take the time to look closely.
That sense of intimacy and discovery is exactly what inspired my new digital illustration:
“Double Ellen Red Hellebore.”
In creating this piece, I wanted to capture the lush depth of the petals, the play of light against the flower’s rich crimson tones, and the natural elegance of its form. Hellebores reward careful observation - they’re subtle, not showy, but infinitely rewarding to draw digitally. Every layer and gradient became a study in texture and colour, aiming to do justice to their quiet splendour.
For me, hellebores embody endurance, resilience, and the beauty of stillness. They remind us that even in the darkest months, life continues to bloom with colour and strength.
I’m delighted to share this new digital illustration with you, and I hope it brings the same sense of joy and calm to your space as it did for me while creating it.
