November Natural Treasures Challenge -- Stayin' Alive

 As we enter late Autumn, there are still a few plants that continue to display live folliage. Mary Atkins has taken advantage of the plants that are "last to leave the party" and has captured the colour variations in her spirea leaves. This painting was completed in coloured pencil on Fluid 140 lb. cold pressed watercolour paper. 

Mary commented "This is a cutting from one of many spireas that seemed to be holding up after being snowed upon. Mind you, this is my second cutting. The first one I procrastinated in getting started and it shrivelled up on me. So, with the second clipping I imediately started drawing it and then took several pictures. It too shrivelled up pretty quickly after being cut but thankfully I had the pictures. I like how the back of the leaves contrasted with the more colourful frontside."

Next month's Natural Treasures theme is "Festive". 

Spirea in coloured pencil by Mary Atkins

Natural Treasures Challenge Entries for September and October

Consistent with life in 2020, there has been a delay in posting September's entry for the Natural Treasures Challenge theme of Changes. Member Mary Atkins created a coloured pencil painting of Silver Maples for this theme. She has also submitted a coloured pencil painting of three gourds for the October theme of Harvest. Visit us again for the November theme of Stayin Alive. Update on 22 November 2020, we have received artwork from member Anne Pichora of her fall leaves.

Anne Pichora submitted her coloured pencil painting of Garden Leaves and commented "The Fall colours were really stunning this year. As various shades were reflected in our back garden Hosta, Maple and Barberry leaves, I tried to capture their rich, contrasting colours."

Garden Leaves in coloured pencil on Fabriano watercolour paper by Anne Pichora

Silver Maple Leaves in coloured pencil by Mary Atkins

Three Gourds in coloured pencil by Mary Atkins