Botanical series

Click on each image to see larger image with painting details.

These abstract botanicals are a memory.  They are my impression of the wonderous foliage that I am surrounded by.

I have become enthralled with creative cyanotypes.  Cyanotype is an alternative photographic process using chemically treated paper to create images. It was discovered by English scientist and astronomer Sir John Hershel in 1842.  Later artist Anna Atkins found the process a great way to document her fern and seaweed collection, creating a limited edition book series with the prints.  Engineers in the early 20th century used the process to create blueprints.  Many artists now use the process with their own creative touches.

I’ve created these artworks by using paper treated with cyanotype chemicals.  I select plant specimens and carefully arrange them on the papers, wet them and place them in the strong New Mexico sun to process.  Next steps include washing, bleaching, and toning with glazes of color. The result is always a surprise.  They serve as an underpainting to which I add layers of paint.