Friday 20 June 2014

Flaming Hot



The Flamboyant Tree, Delonix regia     ©Shevaun Doherty 2013
They say that once you have drunk the waters of the Nile, you are destined to return.

There must be some truth in that, because for twenty five years I have been coming back to this beautiful country. It really is wonderful to be here once more, back to the palm trees and shimmering heat, and my lovely home by the sea. It took a few days to unpack, settle in, and  recover from the long trip. I am delighted to say that my paints, brushes and large tube of paper all arrived safely too.

My studio overlooks the gardens and the pool, and you can just glimpse the turquoise sparkle of the sea through the palm trees … it’s not surprising that I love it so much!
 My only grumble was that the air conditioning in my studio wasn’t working. It’s fine in the morning, but by early afternoon the sun has crept around to that side of the house and with temperatures of 41°C, it makes painting a challenge! Somehow I don't think I'm going to get that much sympathy!!

Yes it is!!
Bird's eye chili peppers Capsicum annuum 2014


The dates are still not quite ripe. They hang in clusters, small, green and hard, and tantalisingly just out of reach. They need a few more weeks of sun to ripen. However, there’s plenty to keep me inspired and busy whilst I wait. I decided to do a small study of one of my favourite trees, Delonix regia, also known as the Flamboyant Tree or  Royal Poinciana

It is considered one of the most beautiful trees in the world, and you only have to see it in bloom to realise why. It is covered in an exuberant mass of fiery red blossoms. Quite simply, it’s a stunner! 

Sketchbook studies 2010- I didn't have a lot of reds in my art box then!!
I have painted this tree, or rather, I’ve attempted to paint it many times. One day I will do a painting that does it’s beauty justice. The flowers themselves aren’t too difficult, but the lacy fern like leaves with their multitude of tiny leaflets are not for the faint-hearted! It also has pretty impressive seedpods of up to 50cm in length! I was grateful to be able to look up my earlier studies to see what colours I used- it makes life so much easier when you take note of your colour palette!

Sketchbook studies 2012... better paper, a bigger selection of reds but a poor photograph (sorry)
Sketchbook study 2014
As this was just a sketchbook study, I decided to experiment and include a plein air study of the tree as well. Okay, I confess! The fact that there happens a tree growing right beside the pool where I have a comfortable sun lounger and an umbrella did play a part in this decision. It was great to loosen up and splash the paint about a bit, and I also had a bit of a splash in the pool to cool off when I had finished! 
This little piece will be stuck into a sketchbook upon my return for the Nature Trails sketchbook exchange.

A little plein air piece finishes it off nicely. The colours used were Winsor lemon, Winsor yellow, Winsor yellow deep, Winsor orange, Winsor red, Vermillon (Sennelier), Dark red (Schminke), Pink Madder (Pebeo), Alizarin, Quin red, Quin violet, Cerulean, Indanthrene and Perylene green.

So onto the next painting whilst I wait for these dates to ripen! The SBA are holding an exhibition in Palmengarten in Frankfurt in October, Poisonous and Medicinal Plants. I love this theme. I’ve already started a few studies in preparation. I won’t say much more, except that it involves a trip to the Spice Shop in the local Souk. Thankfully the air conditioning is now fixed… I’ve no excuse!


Plein air sketch of the local spice shop, 2009
I hope you are all enjoying your summer!

 “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”



16 comments:

  1. I've already said it before, it's always a pleasure looking at your paintings. Don't matter if they are studies or finished pieces. And with your blog you take me on your journey to Egypt! I can almost sit next to you in the sunlight! Maybe one day, I can visit this beautiful country too.
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts and paintings.
    Warm greetings from Maria

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    1. Thank you very much, Maria. I'm glad you like it

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  2. Super blog entry - so glad you are having a good time in the sun with your Delonix's - my favourite tree!!! Bit rubbish for you in that the air con is not working, but just think about how amazing it is for your pores - like an all day sauna. People pay a fortune for that in UK! Anyway, inspired I am now going to try and find my Delonix that I painted back in 2004 and post it. All the best Shevaun - wish I was a member of the SBA and that I could exhibit at this German show - sounds amazing. Go girl! If it were me, I wouldn't know which spice to choose first. I think I'd do Star Anise or Boswellia sp (Frankinsense) a Commiphora (Myhrr)

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    1. I have just read your blog post, Jess and I LOVE your painting!! Thank you so much. It's funny reading your spice suggestions... I have picked up Star Anise (it's too pretty not to), and thought about the Myrrh. I don't know if I would be able to paint it though... it's a tough one! I did find some gorgeous Abrus seeds, terrifyingly lovely! I hope you submit to the SBA next year and go for membership. They have plans to start exhibiting in Europe on a regular basis! It could be a great excuse for us all to go away together! Thanks again!!!

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  3. Here you go! inkyleaves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/inspired-by-shevaun-doherty.html :)

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  4. Fantastic sketches Shevaun, love the chillies! Sounds like such a wonderful place, even if so hot!
    xxxx

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    1. Thank you Claire. The chillies were just a whimsy.

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  5. I love your 'whimsy'!!! Great blog post. Chill out, dude, if you can. Lots love.x

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  6. I don't know why, but I love so much the last but one drawing !

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    1. That's a relief, because it's especially for your sketchbook, Giovanni! ;)

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  7. Such wonderful paintings today - and loved seeing and hearing about your place there - what a gorgeous spot. Glad the air conditioning is working now (not fun to be too hot to be creative but I did love the HOT chili peppers!). I have never been to Egypt and know nothing about the place so enjoy hearing about your place there, the markets, etc.

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    1. Thanks Rhonda! I'm glad you like hearing about my time here

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  8. My goodness, what a stunning tree! Of course, you do justice to it with your amazing talent x.

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    1. Thanks Lorraine... that's so lovely of you to say

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