Time: 2 hours
Size: 2 inches by 3 inches
Materials: watercolor pencil and watercolor gouache on Bristol board
This is number 4 of a series that I painted as part of a commission. The other pieces in the series had subject matter of other flowers like amaryllis and coneflower. I was pretty keep on the amaryllis and hope I can get a photo later.
For the dynamic Miss Annie I chose a brilliant Scarlet Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) flower. This species was identified by botanist Thomas Walter (1740-1789).
3x3 inches on plate Bristol board. Watercolor gouache and ink. 2010
This past holiday season I wanted to give a few of the ladies from an 18th century
For the sweet Miss Gili I painted Small Shell Ginger (Alpinia mutica). This species was identified by in India by William Roxburgh in the 1780-1790’s. The model for this piece is a photograph taken by Gili of this lovely plant growing in her Grandmother’s garden. Although it isn’t a Florida plant, I was sure it would be enjoyed.
3x5 inches on plate Bristol board. Watercolor gouache and ink. 2010
One of my many hobbies is 18th century reenactment and I am fascinated by that period in botanical and naturalist exploration. This past holiday season I wanted to give a few of the ladies small handmade gifts. I chose tiny paintings in tiny frames and tried to stay with plants and animals that were already named and could be found in Florida.
For the delightful Miss Elizabeth I chose to paint Sunrise Tellin (Tellina radiata) Linnaeus, 1758 in honor of her love of beachcombing.
3x3 inches on plate Bristol board. Watercolor gouache and ink. 2010
The Buckeye Butterfly is based upon a photo taken by the lady who commissioned this page. The poppy and blackberry are based upon images from the Mira calligraphiae monumenta. The pine needles are modeled after needles from a tree on my street with a nicely low hanging branch.
Calligraphy is done in a Carolingian Miniscule with brown Windsor Newton ink to continue with the natural feel of the piece.
Known also as the Apache Blessing, here is the text of the poem:
“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for each other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be the warmth for the other.
Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before.
Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your life together.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.”
Featuring a four-o-clock, a lemon, and something I cannot remember at the moment. I have a little bit more detailing left on the four-o-clock, like the flower stamens. Finish up a few page shadoes for the lemon and the mystery flowers and I should have this wrapped up. Hurrah.
