Painted Croton

I just finished painting the third piece I made this week for my Wholecloth Painting workshop. All of the samples are shown above. (None have been stitched yet!)

This latest piece features leaves of what I think is a tropical houseplant called Croton. Weird name. It has thick, leathery leaves with the most fantastic color patterns. I believe I took the photo on which this piece is based in the walkway that connects the Houston Hilton to the convention center. They always have large, lush potted plant arrangements. 

Here is the photo:

I’ve been rather obsessed with leaves in the past few years. I think it is the patterns, lines and colors on the leaves, and the way that they become almost abstract when shot up close. I’d really like to do a series of larger pieces all based on my closeup photos of leaves. Soon!