Watercolor: Toyon Blossom

Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), or Christmas Berry, has almost done blooming by now. Currently the green berries on the trees are slowly turning into red. By the time of Christmas and New Year, these trees decked will red berries and green leaves will be the most delightful holiday eye-candy. Toyon is also called California Holly. This California native perennial shrub grow abundantly in Los Angeles area, therefore we have an area called Hollywood!

A few close-ups:

The process of a beautiful leaf. The imperfection makes it the perfect natural beauty.

About this artwork:

Watercolor

Original size: 12" x 15"

Paper: Fabriano Hot Press 140 Lb

May The Bb Power Be With You,
Ellie 

Channel Islands National Park Guidebooks Illustrations- California Native Plants With Pen and Ink

If you have a chance to visit Channel Islands National Park, don't forget to pick up a copy of new guidebooks at the Native Plant Garden in front of the visitor center. I did the original pen and ink illustrations for these two informative and beautifully designed guidebooks 'Guide to Island Plant Adaptation' and 'Guide to Island Chumash Plant Usage'. This is a very rewarding experience knowing that my illustrations play a part to help the public better understand these unique islands!

Here are a few pages of the books:

May The Bb Power Be With You,

Ellie

Last Wisteria of 2015- Wisteria floribunda With Colored Pencils

I was very lucky to obtain the last wisteria blossoms from a friend's friend--Connie, and finished a wisteria with colored pencils commissioned by friend Bill for his mom as a birthday gift. I hope this painting brings Ms. Yukiko warm memories of her home country Japan. When I think of the creation of this painting, it seems magical that it is not a straight line but actually is woven by threads of different friendships, fates, and geographic memories.

Following are some pictures of the drawing process:

The models I got to bring home from Connie's yard. They are just elegant.

On-site sketches

Color testing after I got home

Working on leaves

Here I'm using Caran d'Ache Softcolor, Dark Green #229

Leaves finished. After this I added the vine, one more blossom and buds.

Close-ups:

May The Bb Power Be With You,

Ellie