I sometimes use books as reference for paintings. The bookcases in my studio are an important part of that creative space. The books in it, are well thumbed, sometimes covered in paint, sometimes book marked with pieces of paper to remind me where to look. My collection of books is varied - at times I am inspired by the text and at other times by the images. I do not always reveal my source material - finally the painting speaks for itself. The same book can inspire totally different paintings or prints. This oil painting depicts a little book called The Language of Flowers. The book has become part of the painting and the surrounding marks and colours are inspired by it.