Epidendrum

I painted this epidendrum orchid in my back yard recently. The frilled, fringed flowers are commonly orange, yellow, red or cream colored and are borne on long spikes like this (I’ve only shown a part of it – the spike is probably 2 feet tall.) This painting was done in my 9 x 12 sketchbook as a study. I will likely do one on ‘real’ watercolor paper next. I added a little colored pencil for the accent parts.

This morning I’m off to paint at Descanso with my friend Robin and I’ve been looking forward to it all week.

Mandu is now living in the kitchen, on the floor, where she has a towel and all of her “things” close by. I see her moving from one to another, delicately touching them with her muzzle, to orient herself. We’re thinking that she may have some sense of light and darkness, but it is too soon to tell. At any rate, she does not appear distressed and is eating, drinking and washing her face as usual, although she’s not eating as much as usual and needs to be ‘reminded’ to eat, since she no longer gets the visual stimulus.

Comments

1. 

   TeriC
   June 13, 2006

   Beautiful Karen. Wow, I never anyone who raised orchids. And more, thanks for the update on Mandu. My heart just goes out to you and hubby.

2. 

   pink
   June 13, 2006

   These paintings and drawyings you’re making are really incredible. Thanks for the reports about Mandu. Good Kitty.

3. 

   Lin
   June 13, 2006

   GLORIOUS orchid Karen!! Colors, lines – the FEEL of it! My heart goes out to you and mandu ….

4. 

   Anastasia
   June 13, 2006

   This orchid is just beautiful – I love the colours and light touch.
   Good to hear Mandu doesnt seem to be too distressed.

5. 

   Linda T
   June 13, 2006

   This is beautiful! I love it.

6. 

   Felicity
   June 13, 2006

   Beautiful and so delicately done – I sense there is a deep change happening with your art?

7. 

   Karen
   June 13, 2006

   Thank you one and all …
   Felicity, yes I think something has happened and I’m not sure what or how. I do know that I was standing up and painting this, from life, with a big brush – no drawing ahead of time – just paint and paper. The less planning I do the better it seems to go – odd, isn’t it?

8. 

   Cin
   June 14, 2006

   just simply beautiful

9. 

   Starr
   June 18, 2006

   this orchid study is scrumptious! yum!