Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Orchid Isle


I live on the "Orchid Isle". At least that's what the tourism authority says. To tell you the truth, there are only three native orchids in Hawaii and all of them are pretty rare and not very showy. So, I suspect we're called that because orchids from all over the world grow really well here.

I was feeling a bit nostalgic tonight. This type of cymbidium flowers grew in the front lawn of a house I rented in Volcano and they always take me back to a simple time. What better medium to capture their simplicity than a plain ole pencil.

More cymbidiums here.

9 comments:

Kathleen Rietz said...

They are very beautiful Joan! I always love your pencil studies best.

ArtistUnplugged said...

Very nicely done! I am partial to pencil work myself. Thanks for sharing

RH Carpenter said...

Beautifully rendered, Joan. Do send us some of the warmth of the islands this week - we need it here in the "midwest."---Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Just amazing! I think your pencil drawings are amazing. And I agree with RHCarpenter — looking at flowers is a good distraction when it's -11 outside. Ergh!

Joan Y said...

Thanks Kate! Whenever I see your moleskine journal drawings, they inspire me to pick up a pencil. I finally bought myself an 8B! I never knew they made them that dark!

Artist Unplugged ... Ah, another graphite fan. Love it!

Rhonda, I am sending you warm, toasty thoughts. I checked the forecast. Grim. Wish I could send you the sunny day we had today.

Karen ... You are too kind. I really can't believe anyone can survive -11. Sound impossible to me. Sending you warm thoughts too!

wagonized said...

I love the fact i was able to click on the image and see them mega-big. Very refined, and restrained work. They're beautiful -- and illustrate perfectly the premise of your blog. :-D

mrana said...

These are beautiful, Joan! I've been procrastinating on drawing orchids for a friend who just turned 90!! They are her favourite flowers and you're now inspiring me to get cracking. Thank you ... I think :)

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Always think your pencil work is outstanding and it is the same with these latest pieces. I used the link and was bowled over with admiration for the tonal work in the group of cymbidiums - just like that lovely card you did for a friend a while back with a feather in it I shall always remember.

Anonymous said...

Wow, So creative!!!