When life gives you lemons, draw them, 11 x 14 inches dry pastels, graphite on paper

"When life gives you lemons, draw them." (Nikki)

"Color! What a deep and mysterious language." (Paul Gauguin)

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Iguana and Strangler Fig

March 18, 2009

 

Iguana on Strangling Fig - Costa Rica, 11H x 11W x 3D acrylics on canvas, sides painted
Iguana and Strangler Fig, Costa Rica, 11H x 11W x 3D inches acrylics on canvas, wrapped sides painted. Frame unnecessary. Hang on a wall or display on a flat surface.
The Strangler Fig is a parasite. Seeds sprout in moss or decaying matter among the branches of rain forest canopies. Roots gradually extend downward and over time completely surround the host tree, which dies while nourishing the Strangler Fig growing in its place.
March 14th, March 13: Phases 1, 2 and 3 earlier progress in thumbnails below. Today layering thin washes of pale yellow, placing the iguana more into the background. Some of the details of the Strangler Fig growth that are now covered up might be brought back into focus since this is more about the tree than the iguana. Posting the painting on the blog is helpful because it’s viewed differently than while painting or studying it. It’s somehow easier to see areas that still need change when looking at it on-screen.

 

Strangler Fig and Iguana, phase 1 work in progress Strangler Fig and Iguana, phase 2 work in progress Strangling Fig and Iguana, phase 3 work in progress

Categories: acrylic painting, animals, Costa Rica, Forests, Magic Square Series, reptiles, series, The Majesty of Trees Collection, travel, trees, work in progress | 8 Comments »

8 Responses to “Iguana and Strangler Fig”

  1. karenx Says:
    March 14th, 2009 at 11:06

    Very beautiful and fluid…

  2. Jim Says:
    March 18th, 2009 at 11:06

    I’m really enjoying this series Nikki. I look in every day to see what’s new here. Good work!

  3. Elizabeth Says:
    March 19th, 2009 at 11:06

    Hi Nikki
    I like what you are doing love it…check in everyday to see what is new with the paintings..keep it up…Elizabeth

  4. Nikkico Says:
    March 19th, 2009 at 11:06

    Thanks for being there you guys. There are only two 12 x 12 canvases left to paint and a hundred plans for them!

  5. Virginia Wieringa Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 11:06

    How generous of you to show your process and the steps. Fascinating.

  6. Nikkico Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 11:06

    Hi Virginia! How generous of you to say I’m generous, but truth be known, posting the stages of development helps me to see what’s going on too, from an entirely other perspective. I probably get more out of it than anyone! Thanks so much (always)for your comments.

  7. Dan Drury Says:
    April 4th, 2009 at 11:06

    Nature and a bit of abstract,nice blend Nikki.

    The painting has a healthy feel to it and as noted above it is interesting to see the “process and steps”.

  8. Nikkico Says:
    April 6th, 2009 at 11:06

    Thanks Dan, it is still unfinished, so it’s good to hear what you and others think about it.

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