I finally decided to get serious in my search for Oregon’s cobra lily, Darlingtonia californica. I have been looking for specimens in local nurseries for several years to no avail. So where to start my search? Well…Facebook of course! I found group of dedicated, talented and generous carnivorous plants lovers and as soon as I asked, I got several offers of help and tips on where to find specimens for sale. Although Ryan from Bizarre Botanicals in Lakewood, WA usually sells at farmers’ markets, he invited me up to see his plants. I purchased a beautiful Darlingtonia from him and got a fascinating tour of his nursery. Although it was a healthy, lush plant, it didn’t have blossoms, so my next challenge was to find a Darlingtonia in bloom. Several people told me that if anyone would have one with blossoms, Jeff Greene would have it, and they were right!
Although potted plants are perfect for close observation, nothing can take the place of studying plants in their native habitat. I wanted to know all I could about their place in their ecosystem, companion plants and insects. Fortunately, since they are native to Oregon where I live, I was able to travel to two locations to observe them ‘in the wild’. The first was on the Oregon coast, and the second was its more typical habitat of higher elevations in southern Oregon and northern California. Darlingtonia colonies thrive in fens, which are mineral-rich areas with shallow flowing water.
As part of my study of Darlingtonia, or cobra lilies, I began some drawings of the flowers and ‘cobras’ (which are actually leaves) and to develop composition ideas. I wanted a painting that showed their twisting growth pattern, colorful translucence and included some of the insects that they would typically attract.
I decided to paint this special piece on Kelmscott vellum, which is hand prepared calfskin, made by William Cowley using the same method as used in the Renaissance. This type of vellum provides an organic looking background and gives watercolors a luminous quality perfect for depicting the glowing ‘cobras’.
copyright 2023 Janene Walkky
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).
What a great blog, Janene! I think you should submit something to ASBA for their magazine…or one of their on line stories. I just watched one today about painting ferns, and was fascinated by Laura Silburn’s process…..Your painting is gorgeous!
Kip, Thank you for taking time to read my blog post! I’ll think about the ASBA options, thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks Janene. An interesting and wonderful description of your journey and process. Not surprised it took two years. Beautiful painting! What is the size of the final painting?
Hi Jeanne, I’m so glad that you like the painting! It’s on a 15″ x 19″ piece of vellum but the image will be 12″ x 16″ when matted. I made everything life-size, which was quite a challenge with the insects. I found a 000 brush to be very handy for them! Sorry that I didn’t see your post earlier, so it took me so long to answer. I usually get a notice when someone comments but it didn’t come though this time.
Janene,
I love this rendering. So beautiful, really catches the characteristics of the Darlingtonia. Sometime ago you told me about the Wayside Darlingtonia Natural Site on Oregon’s coast. We were visiting our daughter in Oregon this summer and went there. It was fantastic! Most people walked through it in 15 minutes. I was there for a long time, taking photos and just enjoying the experience of seeing the Darlingtonia in their native habitat. When I was there I knew I’d be doing a rendering inspired by the site.
Hi Donna, I am happy to hear that you got to see the Darlingtonia Wayside. I found that Darlingtonia are much more colorful in their natural habitat than when grown in a nursery pot, although I find it indispensable to have potted ones for close observation. I hope I get to see your Darlingtonia rendering sometime! Best wishes!
what is this flower send me an email to get image OR check RECENT facebook post