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