"Oh yes, the look of them is perfect," Patience said. It was one of the things that had fascinated her about the painting in the first place, how real the plants looked, and the way they moved. "And the difference between the way they look and feel doesn't take away from it at all - I think it makes it special. If you're trying to make them look mortal, though - well, I'm not an artist, but I'd pick a plant that was mostly beautiful and alive, with a few dead leaves. Maybe I could help you find the right one."
She smiled at him, and then offered him her other hand, to shake. "Sorry, I'm Patience. And you must be Roger Davies, the artist."