Cucumis sativus – ‘Longfellow’
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!
Cucumis sativus – ‘Longfellow’
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’–
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 delight 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 was accepted for the 23rd ASBA International Exhibition hosted at Wave Hill, Bronx, New York fall of 2020.
Hosta plantaginea – Sweet Summer Scent
This lovely scented hosta grows at the end of our laneway. I planted it several years ago as a garden ‘filler’, never really paying much attention to it. Deer on the other hand quickly discovered it! Several times I have found it nibbled to the ground, but it successfully bounces back every time! One has to admire the hardiness of this reliable and easy to grow perennial. My hosta painting was selected by the ASBA to promote their 27th Annual Conference virtual small works exhibition, ‘Dare to be Square’.
Hosta plantaginea, Sweet Summer Scent
Citrus × clementina– Clementines With Leaves
What a sweet treat! As a child, I vividly recall clementines being a ‘seasonal treat’ in our home around Christmas time. This small ‘Christmas orange’ offered an easy to peel, tangy but sweet, nearly seedless fruit to enjoy. I loved the look of these clementines! In painting them, I wanted to portray the tiny divots of their deep orange-red peel. In contrast to their glossy peel, I wanted to depict the dryness of their still attached curling leaves.
Allium cepa – Red Onions
Oh, the humble onion…it can bring you to tears. I was drawn to these red onions by their beautiful vibrant colours. As a subject, they encouraged me to explore the vibrant Quinacridone hues. I enjoyed capturing the delicate translucent appearance of the bit of flaked tunic which had broken away. Their cracked tunics and dried tassels lent yet another dimension to my composition. This piece was accepted in the ASBA 24th International Exhibition.
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