[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 :)

My 2012 Resolution

I’m not used to making a new year resolution. But somehow last year I made one based on a yesteryears’ wish I couldn’t accomplish. It was to do watercolour painting again. 

Since I knew that the start is the hardest part and maintaining it is never easy, my trick is to involve other people in the process. A tip from my brother, a resolution should be told to others. A commitment will be easier to be ignored and forgiven if it was kept just by ourselves than if it was witnessed by other people. So I put myself in a watercolour course for a start and keep uploading my works at my facebook account to be seen by my friends.

 

The cherries were my first watercolour painting in early 2012 after almost a decade I let my brush dusted and my paints dried, while the oriental poppies were one of my latest botanical paintings. I feel the difference. This progress is the reward of my 2012 resolution. I am happy that it is not just a wish anymore. I feel contented that I made and kept my 2012 resolution. And I’ll still keep it.

Happy new year 2013!