A recent visit to the Northern Duchess Botanical Gardens, in Rhinebeck, N.Y. revealed to me tremendous varieties of the Coleus plant. I learned that some prefer shade and stay relatively small, while others like the one in the foreground of this painting (with the three large leaves) are sun lovers and can grow quite large. I was equally awed by the pink leaved Coleus (in the background), as it was the first time I had ever seen this variety. My first house plant was a Coleus brought home from school as a tiny cutting in a Styrofoam cup, so the plant occupies a special place in my heart.
The painting reflects the almost overwhelming sense of color and shapes vying for my attention. In the end, I brought home a few of each. This is probably the reddest painting I have ever done. It is also quite large, will be 18"x24" when framed. It is a good candidate for my submission to the North East Watercolor Association International Show this summer.
Northern Duchess Botanical Gardens http://www.ndbgonline.com
North East Watercolor Association http://www.northeastws.com
