Swamp Hibiscus

This past holiday season I wanted to give a few of the ladies from an 18th century reenactment group small handmade gifts. I  chose tiny paintings in tiny frames:

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

Small Shell Ginger

This past holiday season I wanted to give a few of the ladies from an 18th century reenactment group small handmade gifts. I  chose tiny paintings in tiny frames:

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

Sunrise Tellin

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