Why a series of work? I find that I am not done with a subject after just one rendering. In a series I can explore and focus on various aspects of my subject.
Darlingtonia californica – Cobra Lily Series
I have always been fascinated by carnivorous plants. Darlingtonia californica is native to Northern California and Oregon. It is the sole member of the genus Darlingtonia in the family Sarraceniaceae (family of pitcher plants). I visited the Darlingtonia State Natural Site in Oregon. The state park is dedicated to the protection of this single plant species. The plants grow in Sphagnum fens, which have slow-moving groundwater. After visiting the Darlingtonia site I could not stop thinking about the plants. Each rendering of the plant explores different characteristics of the Darlingtonia. I don’t think I’m done exploring the intriguing Darlingtonia californica!
Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei – Bakersfield Cactus Series
The Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei or Bakersfield Cactus looks similar to most beavertail cactus. I became interested in the Bakersfield Cactus when I came across it at Wind Wolves Preserve in Central California. The cactus is an endangered cactus due to habitat loss. The Bakersfield Cactus grows only in Kern County, California. Wind Wolves Preserve has a very successful propagation program for this endangered cactus. I return year after year to the Wind Wolves Preserve to check on the cactus populations. Each time I notice something different about the cactus. At present I have four renderings in this series with more to come.
