Wednesday, March 13, 2013

FLOR500

Pinepink, framed and ready for the show.
My entry for FLOR500 - #371 Pinepink, one of our terrestrial orchids.  I've seen this at Fakahatchee several times, noticing that it likes growing along the edges of roadways and wooded areas.  It seems to enjoy full sun or semi-shade and thrives in rocky ground - a true survivor plant!  It has long strap-like basal leaves that are pleated and come to a tapering point.

You may remember my earlier studies of this orchid from our sketching at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, once last March, and again last April, in two very different locations.
You can see the works in person of artists in our southwest Florida region on display at:
South Regional Library
8065 Lely Cultural Parkway
Naples, FL 
(239) 252-7542

Medium: watercolor on paper.
FLOR500 is an exciting and unique collaborative project, drawing in artists from all over the state of Florida.  Each artist selects a subject from a list of 500 native wildflowers, plants that were growing  when Ponce De Leon set foot on a peninsula filled with flowers, inspiring him to name our state La Florida (flowery land).  In addition to the artworks, wildflower gardens are being planted outside schools and libraries.

Visit their website: www.FLOR500.com
See them on Facebook: FLOR500 on Facebook




    

9 comments:

  1. I have been peeking at your lovely sketchbook drawings of recent months. We are trying to start an Urban Sketchers group in North Central Florida in Lake and Sumter Counties.
    Is FLOR500 a by-invitation-only project?
    I will go to their website to learn more.
    Thanks.
    Lee Kline
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/sketchrboy/

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  2. I've always wanted to see these in person! Your sketches are so dead accurate...truly amazing!

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  3. That is a lovely rendition, Elizabeth. I have also rendered an orchid for Flor500, which you can see here:

    Longhorn False Rein Orchid (Habenaria quinqueseta)

    For some reason, I have e-mailed Xavier and Chris Rodriguez with the digital version of my image and I have not received a reply. Could you let me know if they respond to you? My e-mail is premsta@gmail.com.

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  4. Hi Lee - thank you! FLOR500 is open to any artist, and the deadline was extended to April 1st I believe. Check their website for a list of wildflowers in your area and what is left to choose from. Each plant lists an artist next to it if it's taken.

    Our sketch group was slow to start off, but has grown over the years, so it does take a while to get people together. I wish you all the best in both endeavors!

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  5. Hello Prem - your orchid rendering is really lovely, quite a dramatic piece! For some reason when I clicked on the image, I was not able to view larger (maybe Blogger has the hiccups?).

    Thank you for your kind words!!

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  6. Jeanette - you are too kind!! Actually, I have several areas I wish I could do over, but alas, watercolor is a fickle mistress and frowns on re-dos. :-D

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  7. Lovely painting, and what a terrific theme for an art show. I'm going to check out the FLOR500 website.

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  8. Hi Kathy! Thank you - isn't it an awesome idea?! Be sure to see their Facebook page as well for photos of some of the receptions and wildflower garden installations.

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