[ORCHIDS] Study sketch of Paphiopedilum praestans

Alongside with the Paphiopedilum gloucopyllum illustration, I am working on the colour test of Paphiopedilum praestans before all the flowers wither and flop. This study will guide me to paint the illustration with proper colours.

The first flower withered and just flopped this afternoon, slightly turned more yellowish :(

[ORCHIDS] WIP of Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum

Starting to work on the Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum illustration yesterday, I met new challenges.

I have never painted on ±A2 (38 x 56 cm) sized paper beforehand. This "big" size format requires me to buy new stretch boards and to find comfortable positions to paint. With my small table easel, it is hard to feel comfortable (believe me) especially for someone with a big "38 weeks" belly. I stood, but quickly felt worn out. Then I put the easel lower on another chair so I can sit while painting. It is better but I feel stuck when I want to lean forward to work on the details. What a challenge, isn't it? :p

Another challenge was when I found my specimen lost its flower buds and two munching caterpillars nicely sat on the leaves. I was so broken-hearted for the flower buds. But I moved on to paint the glossy orchid leaves, which is something new for me! If you notice, I hardly painted any leaves. Thanks to the caterpillars I do now.



To paint the glossy leaves I use wet on wet washes a lot. I also try to apply subtle bluish highlight as I saw on Katty Pickles's wonderful botanical works. It was not done yet, but today's progress (especially the leaves) lifted up my spirit :)

[SKETCHBOOK] Gembira Loka Zoo

Yesterday, I had fun with some friends of Indonesia's Sketcher for visiting a local zoo in Yogyakarta and having live sketches of animals and plant. It was great to practise drawing live animals that kept moving and changing, a good challenge for someone who usually paint a still plant indoor.

   

[ORCHIDS] Study sketch of Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum

Trying to capture the colours of Tropical Ladys-Slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum) before the flower flop. This species is endangered and endemic to East and Southwest Java (Mount Semeru) and in Central Sumatra, Indonesia.

[SKETCHBOOK] Pigeon Orchids

Yesterday, the pigeon orchids at our residence bloomed.
They smelled so good but, too bad, the flowers withered
in a day.

Since I want to make botanical artworks of Indonesian
orchids during my stay in Yogyakarta, I took this available
specimen for a rehearsal. I made a study sketch on it.
I found that I need to understand, not only how to paint,
but the plant itself. I felt ashamed that as an Indonesian
I know nothing about orchids whereas Indonesia is one
of the world's richest country of orchids species.

I hope I can manage my time between the project
and my pregnancy. *fingers crossed :)