An heirloom slicing cucumber, ‘Longfellow’, was first released in 1927 by Jerome D. Rice Seed Co, Cambridge, NY. My specimen, gifted to me, was grown from seed acquired through Annapolis Seeds in Nova Scotia, Canada. They harvest all of their own rare and heirloom seed from open-pollinated plants. The full cucumber vine illustrates various stages of growth until it’s table ready! Delicious!
Paeonia officinalis – ‘Rosea Plena’
My search for a deep pink peony led me to a ‘cut your own’ flower farm. Rosea Plena, a stunning bubblegum pink antique variety (circa 1700), with its ruffled double flower immediately caught my eye. Beautiful at first bloom, it fades to a paler pink as it matures. This commissioned piece was a real joy to find and paint.
Tulip x gesneriana Parrot Group –
Parrot Tulip Pair
These cup-shaped spring beauties caught my eye with their fringed and ruffled tepals atop sturdy elegant stems. Their exotic flame-like splashes of colour and feathery edges indeed resemble the feathers of a parrot! Together they make a perfect pair.
Tulip x gesneriana Parrot Group –
Parrot Tulip Pair
These cup-shaped spring beauties caught my eye with their fringed and ruffled tepals atop sturdy elegant stems. Their exotic flame-like splashes of colour and feathery edges indeed resemble the feathers of a parrot! Together they make a perfect pair.
Gymnocladus diocus – Kentucky Coffee-Tree
This once ‘threatened’ Carolinian tree intrigued me with its beautiful bean pods and alternate, double compound leaf. While the raw beans are toxic, early settlers are said to have used its roasted beans as a ‘coffee’. It has an unusual ecological history too. The mastodon is thought to have dispersed the seed!
Paphiopedilum ‘Cocoa Motto Kitty’ –
Single Slipper Orchid
This painting of a single ‘Cocoa Motto Kitty’ has a bold ‘look at me’ attitude! I acquired this orchid towards the end of a long cold winter. It was refreshing to enjoy its punch of colour on snowy days! This ‘slipper’ orchid is featured in a couple of my compositions and was a delight to paint!
Paphiopedilum ‘Cocoa Motto Kitty’ –
Slipper Orchids in Harmony
Purchased to ward off the doldrums of a long winter, this ‘slipper’ orchid became the subject of my first entry to a juried international exhibition, the ASBA 22nd International Exhibition. I adored its rich deep colours. The root system was a ‘fuzzy’ surprise and was therefore included in my composition. Delicate & exotic, this plant was a pleasure to paint!
Cucurbita maxima – Turk’s Turban
Is it a pumpkin, squash or gourd? A member of the Cucurbita family, this vegetable (actually a fruit!) is related to all three! This heirloom from the 1820’s, is native to Central and North America. I fell in love with its unusual shape and bright beautiful colours. Its size, about twelve inches in diameter, is impressive too!
Pteris ensiformis – Silver Lace Fern
Challenged to find and paint a ‘silver’ plant in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the ASBA, I happened upon this delicate fern with vibrant silvery green leaves. A perfect subject! My painting was included in the ASBA Celebrating Silver Catalogue. It was also included in the ‘silver’ montage on the cover.
Acer saccharum – Sugar Maple
What’s not to love about the sugar maple? This tree, native to eastern North America, gives in abundance: shade, sap for maple syrup, and what I probably value most of all, fall colour in our Carolinian woodlot! Our sugar maple tends to display bright yellow, orange and vivid red-orange simultaneously – a real show stopper!
Iris germanica – ‘Before the Storm’
This tall bearded Iris is one of my favourites! It is one of the darkest or ‘blackest’ irises available. I have grown this beauty for a number of years now and it ‘called’ to be painted! I am delighted that this piece has been accepted for the 23rd ASBA International Exhibition which will be hosted at Wave Hill, Bronx, New York this coming fall.
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