Houndstongue — 6x6 on panel, framed in black. Highly textured and detailed, this piece captures a native Colorado species with five rounded petals cupped by five sepals (leaves designed to surround and protect the bloom) and fine white hairs along the stem that deter insects and animals, reduce heat absorption, and limit water loss. Such a great example of how plants adapt to their native environment!
When I first saw them that year, they were no taller than my ankle, and I was fascinated by all the tiny early summer blooms. Five years later, we went back around the same time, and they must have had a hotter start to their summer, because they had already bolted up to about knee height. Nature is amazing! This piece varnished, framed, and ready to hang.