While hiking in the Pacific Northwest, I have become enamored with Monkeyflowers (Mimulus), after all they have such brightly colored flowers and a fun name too. I like plants with personality!
Mimulus cardinalis (or Erythranthe cardinalis)
When I saw this Monkeyflower in the native plant section of the nursery I snatched it up so I could study it more closely. It is much taller than the Monkeyflowers that I usually see in this area. When researching it I found out that it is more common in southern Oregon and California than where I live. Apparently, it is often sold as a garden hummingbird attractor…and I can testify that it works. I’ve had hummingbirds visiting it every day on my patio.
Anna’s Hummingbird
photo courtesy of Steve Acheff
When I brought the plant in to draw, I heard a buzzing noise and looked up to see a hummingbird hovering at my open window trying to get through the screen for a sip of what must be delectable nectar. According to the Native Plant Society of Oregon, this variety will bloom all summer in a moist spot, so I am looking for just the right place for it in my garden. I want to make these delightful little hummers as welcome as possible, and how better than with a native plant?
Choice of Pigments & Pencil
I did much of the study using Caran d’Ache Grafwood pencils, from 4H to B for the darkest shadows. The leaves on this plant are a very light yellowish green, so I decided to use the strong yellow pigment, Hansa Yellow Medium, mixed with Prussian Blue for my green. Just a dab of red in the mix created the darker green for the shadows. Also, I used some graphite for shading under the watercolor.
The blossoms are bright orangish red, with an undertone of yellow, especially noticeable in the sun. I put a wash of yellow down first with Scarlet Lake for most of the body of the blossom. a dab of Perylene Maroon in the shadows and Winsor Orange Red Shade for the highlights finished it off. I found I could mix a really nice deep Burgundy for the spots by adding more Scarlet Lake to my green mix. I like to mix my colors from a minimum of pigments as a way of unifying my paintings, and this was a good practice run. It’s amazing how many colors you can come up with from just a few pigments!
Sketchbook Exchange Project
This study was done in a Stillman & Birn Zeta sketchbook for the Oregon Botanical Artists sketchbook exchange project. Now its time to mail it to the next participant so they can make their entry. I can’t wait to see my sketchbook after it completes its rounds of twelve botanical artists.
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
Are they watercolour pencils? When you use the word “wash” it would seem so to me; or are they just layered dry. As ever, it is a lovely page
Hi Angela, I used regular graphite pencils for most of the study (the black and white portion) then the colored leaf and the red blossom are done with watercolors, although I did put a little graphite down on the shadows first. I hope that answers your question–sorry for any confusion! Thanks for your kind comment and clarifying question!
Love reading blogs like yours Janene. The Stillman & Birn Zeta sketchbook was recommended to me by another botanical artist. What is it about this sketchbook that you like? I have used various sketchbooks but find that sooner or later the pages become detached which is a shame!
Hi Paul, Thanks for taking time to read my blog, and for giving me such kind feedback about it! Sorry it took me so long to get back to you–I thought I had already replied but now that I check back, I see I didn’t get around to putting my thoughts into words.
What I like about the Stillman and Birn Zeta sketchbook is its sturdiness, at least the hardbound one, the good quality paper that can take washes, and the smooth surface which is similar to hot pressed paper and is good for detailed work. I can’t imagine these books losing pages any more than any other well-made book. Also, the hardbound style is nice because you can work across both pages for a two page spread. The back side of the pages works as well as the front side, and I haven’t had a problem with ink or paint bleeding through. I did find the paper a bit tricky to paint on at first, but now I have gotten used to it and find it much easier. I hope that helps!