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Admirable Weeds

Posted on by Laura Kate

My inspiration for this painting happened during a camping trip to Kansas in late March. At the site, I noticed a dozen or so Red Admiral butterflies floating around an open area near some trees. After following them around for awhile, I realized that they were taking nectar from two weedy non-native plants: henbit and dandelions. My thoughts went something like this: Those two plants are disdained by gardeners and the general public. Yet one of our most beautiful native butterflies found them attractive. There is something to be valued here that I wish to explore.

The henbit was lush and blooming profusely.

I grabbed another photo in my backyard, which I used to create my drawing.

For the butterfly reference, I went to Unsplash.com for this lovely by Don Coombez.

https://unsplash.com/photos/a-butterfly-sitting-on-top-of-a-metal-pole-PLyR1XIwcsU

Reference in hand, I started work, first by testing colors in my sketchbook.

Next came a pencil sketch which was transferred to Arches cold press paper.

Stages of the painting:

Masking fluid applied and Initial wash laid down.

First round of colors dropped in.

Foreground painted and additional layers added.

Masking fluid removed, some shadows and details painted in.

Finished up by adding highlights and cast shadows.

I’m relieved to have finished. These complex organic scenes are still very difficult for me. And while I can’t say I love every bit of my painting, I did achieve my objective.

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One of six children, I was raised by a busy mom, who instilled in me a love of fabric. Though I learned to sew and knit at a young age, it was the arrival of my first grandchild that pushed me into action. A long-time knitter, I am now ready to explore all things fiber.

11 thoughts on “Admirable Weeds”

  4. That is beautiful!
    So, unpopular opinion – I love dandelions. They are so cheerful, they seed themselves, and they end up with big foofy seed puffs that are fun to disperse. Also, they do have food value. An old PA dutch spring salad uses you dandelion greens. Finally, we used to make dandelion wine, which was delicious.

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