Henrietta Hibiscus

Henrietta is my interpretation of the beautiful Hibiscus flower. Did you know that 'Queensland is a world centre for hibiscus diversity' (www.abc.net.au)? So it seems fitting (as a Queenslander) to choose this bloom as the second in my new floral series.

Henrietta isn't based on a particular species of hibiscus, instead, she is mostly from my imagination. Whilst I have tried to keep true to the petal shapes, the colours are pure fiction. The shadows are a combination of deep magenta, purple, cobalt blue, bronze with some pinky pink thrown in. Towards the light ends of the pedals, I have chosen some beautiful salmon hues with lilac, blue and pale pink highlights.

The anther, filament and stigma part of the flower has a life of its own. It is mostly made up of rich gold and Australian sienna mixed with gold. The stigma contains magenta and pink with lashings of light aqua.

The background of the artwork has been painted titanium white so nothing interferes with the impactful colours of the bloom.

Using different painting mediums, I have been able to create wonderful blends of colours that aren't on any colour palette. Please look through the close up of the images to see the myriad of soothing colours in floral.