July Natural Treasures Challenge Submissions "Something Redish"

Our July Natural Treasures Challenge theme was "Something Redish" and to date we have received two submissions. Mary Atkins created a coloured pencil painting of her Hemercocallis and Celeste Dion painted a watercolour of a Japanese Quince that grows in her friend's garden in the UK. Kristin Rothschild submitted a watercolour painting of a Geranium. We will update this post if we receive new entries. Thanks to our participants who are keeping this project active.

The theme for our August challenge is "Something Yellow/Orange" so possible subjects could be flowers, fruit and vegetables (sunflowers, peaches, nectarines, carrots, etc.).

Geranium in watercolour by Kristin Rothschild

OSBA member, Kristin Rothschild has been inspired by something red!
Kristin writes: “... a little painting of geraniums where I tried to capture the luminescence of the petals. “

Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) in watercolour by Celeste Dion

Hemerocallis in coloured pencil by Mary Atkins

Mary Atkins commented on her artwork "This is my submission for the July challenge. This Hemerocallis is similar to one I did many years ago (Salieri). I seem to have lost the tag for this one. In comparison to the Salieri, this plant is taller, sturdier and the flowers larger. This flower, when open, measures 12cm (5"). This plant stands about 90cm (3'). When comparing the two plants this plant is more of a magenta colour and the Salieri is a dark wine colour. This was done with coloured pencil on Grafix matte drawing film. Since the drawing film is Translucent I have used black paper as the background."

June Natural Treasures Challenge "Something Violet"

We received two submissions for the June Natural Treasures Challenge for "Something Violet". As many of us continue to stay close to home, we are drawing inspiration from our gardens. Mary Atkins sent in a coloured pencil painting of her Bearded Iris flowers in three stages of development. Theresa Bolton submitted a coloured pencil painting of her Baptisia. Celeste Dion submitted two entries for the challenge: purple chili pepper in watercolour and coloured pencil and a Pansy in watercolour.

The theme for July will be "Something Red (ish)".

Bearded Iris in Three Stages in coloured pencil by Mary Atkins

Mary Atkins submitted a coloured pencil painting of her Bearded Iris in three stages of development. Mary noted "Bearded Iris (again!). This time though, I have drawn three different stages before the bloom. The spathe (the papery cover around the emerging buds) are considerably more colourful. I think the pre-blooms are just as beautiful as the actual flower. This was done with coloured pencil on Hahnemuhle - Harmony 140lb hot press."

Baptisia in coloured pencil by Theresa Bolton

Theresa Bolton found inspiration in her garden by painting a Baptisia in coloured pencil. Theresa commented "Here is my late contribution for June. This is a Baptisia that I had planted last year after it had bloomed so I never saw the colour of the blooms until this Spring.I may not have captured the blue-violet colour of the blooms but if not I can always try next year! Coloured pencil."

Violet Chili Pepper in watercolour and coloured pencil by Celeste Dion

Pansy in watercolour by Celeste Dion