Botanical Art
These are my watercolor paintings juried into the Gardens of Alcatraz Florilegium organized by the Northern California Society of Botanical Artists.
Depicting cultivated and wild plants that grew during the time nefarious criminals were held at Alcatraz Island, the paintings provide context about life on the island.
Erigeron glaucus
Erigeron glaucus, Seaside Daisy, is a plant native to the coasts of California. I strived to depict the lively leaves and flowers that are often buffeted by coastal winds on Alcatraz Island. It is grown as a low landscaping plant in open sunny areas.
Solanum marginatum
The fuzzy leafed White-margined Nightshade is a poisonous cousin to tomatoes and eggplants. Unlike a tomato it oxidizes when cut, and unlike a tomato it is covered from sepal to leaves to stem in thorns. This highly unusual plant inspired me to write an article that was published in the journal of the American Society of Botanical Artists.
Pyracantha coccinea
Commonly called Scarlet Firethorn, Pyracantha coccinea grows wild on Alcatraz Island. The image of this plant was published alongside an article about the Alcatraz Florilegium in Public Garden, the journal of the American Public Gardens.
Heliotrope sp.
The sweet smell of Heliotrope inspired its common name Cherry Pie Plant. It is thought that the plant follows the sun through the day.
Heliotrope was cultivated during the days Alcatraz Island housed dangerous criminals. For good behaviour, inmates were allowed to leave their cells to work in the gardens caring for plants such as this.
Original paintings and giclée prints are available for purchase.