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

Pokeweed: Watercolor Sketch

American Pokeweed Phytolacca americana

Family: Phytolaccaceae

Genus: Phytolacca

Species: P. americana

I really like the shape and colors of pokeweed. Maybe because it's native to eastern U.S, I don't see it often. So when I saw it in the farmers market yesterday, I decided instantly that it would be my next model despite that I already have a few on-going projects.

Pokeweed is deadly toxic if eaten raw, so don't let your children or pet play with it.

I did a page of watercolor sketches and plan to draw more tomorrow.

May The Bb Power Be With You,

Ellie

My Artist Page on ASBA American Society of Botanical Artists

My artist page in the gallery of American Society of Botanical Artists was launched online this week!

https://www.asba-art.org/member-gallery/ellie-yun-hui-tu

I am very excited to show the best of my artworks on a site with very high reputation. I will also update my page constantly with new paintings.

May The Bb Power Be With You,

Ellie 

Safflower Carthamus tinctorius

Carthamus tinctorius

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Carthamus

Species: C. tinctorius

There were several exciting things happened this past week:

1. I finished a watercolor safflower to submit to the art exhibiton at Ventura County Fair.

2. And it's framed!

The safflower was among a field flower bouquet my friend Carol gave me. Although it's not a California native plant, I did love the different textures it had.

The history of human's growing safflower can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Dyes, cooking oil, and traditional medicine can be made. One interesting fact: safflower seed can replace sunflower seed in birdfeeder, since squirrels don't like the taste of it.

About this artwork:

Watercolor

Original size: 12" x 15"

Framed size: 16" x 20"

Paper: Fabriano Hot Press 140 Lb

May The Bb Power Be With You,
Ellie 

Watercolor Sketch with New Seals: Carthamus tinctorius

Lately I've been doing sketches with watercolors in order to loosen my strokes. Yesterday the new seals I ordered one month ago finally arrived with much anticipation. The one at the right says "Little Backyard", while the left one says "Hidden Paradise". I can't wait to use them on my future paintings! Today I tried them out on a watercolor sketch of safflowers. Looking great I say!

May The Bb Power Be With You,

Ellie

Cute Find at Farmers' Market

This past weekend I found these very cute produce at local farmers' market. They almost look like toys! I cannot decide whether to cook paint them. Nature is really amazing...

May The Bb Power Be With You!

Ellie

Green Hypericum

Watercolor and colored pencil sketch.

Over the weekend I received a bouquet dotted with very refreshing green hypericum. It's said that hypericum has medicinal effects but just by looking at the green berries it is already soothing...

May The Bb Power Be With You!

Ellie