Friday, 13 September 2013

Day 13 - Floral Emblem

                                           Acrylic on board 15cm x 15cm (6" x 6")

This is a red and green kangaroo paw which is the floral emblem for the state of Western Australia. There are many different colours and shapes of kangaroo paw but this is my favourite. As a child I lived on a farm in a semi-arid environment, so in comparison, the bush around Perth actually seemed quite lush to me at the time. When we drove to Perth to visit our grandparents we would spot these beautiful flowers all through the bush as we entered the Darling Ranges. So even now I think they still channel a little of that exotica I felt as a child when visiting the "Big Smoke".

Below is the photo reference I worked from today. They are usually a little more spaced out when in found in the wild, this photo is of a mass planting in the gardens at Kings Park.


And below is a modest little specimen of a different variety (it may even be a hybrid) growing in my garden. I took this photo today. The kangaroo paw flowers actually feel furry to the touch.



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8 comments:

  1. Kaethe Bealer13 September 2013 at 07:25

    Wendy I just love that you paint the world around you. It expands my horizons! These flowers are beautiful!

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett14 September 2013 at 06:02

      Thanks so much Kaethe! I do enjoy showcasing our beautiful flora and surroundings.

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  2. Unknown13 September 2013 at 08:36

    Gorgeous paintings and what a lovely flower! I enjoyed the little bit of flower education as well. Would love to visit Australia one day...

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett14 September 2013 at 06:02

      Thanks for visiting Amy. I hope you do get to our part of the world one day - you won't be disappointed!

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  3. Anonymous14 September 2013 at 02:03

    Hi Wendy, the photos of all the exquisite flowers you're posting are fantastic, I didn't know they existed, Beautiful! Really like your painting of day 13. You're doing great and I enjoy reading every blog post, they're so interesting! Good luck with today's painting! :)

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett14 September 2013 at 06:06

      Hi Hilje,
      Thanks so much - I'm glad you are enjoying the flowers. They are such a passion of mine.
      I love that your physicist had responded to my comment. All very interesting!

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  4. Celia Blanco14 September 2013 at 02:29

    I love this series,I'm learning a lot about Australia(always on my bucket list). Beautiful painting! Can this flower be cut for floral arrangements or are they too delicate?

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    Replies
    1. Wendy Barrett14 September 2013 at 06:08

      Hi Celia, Yes they make stunning cut flowers as they have very long stems. I often used to buy a bunch for my mum's birthday, but they seem harder to come by these days - I'm not sure why.

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