 |
| 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.”
