Summer Knows, 12x12 inches, oil

This small painting began my series of Plant-Based Abstracts. The paintings in this collection are inspired by native prairie plants...their colors, shapes, and forms are a delightful source of inspiration, as I have been living with these wonderful wildflowers and grasses now for 8 years. My husband and I put one acre of our land into a native prairie. We are amazed at how many birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects are around now b/c of the prairie. We get dragonflies that take care of mosquitoes...we see Swallowtail butterflies and Monarchs, Sulphurs, lovely moths, all kinds of bees, and songbirds. 

Native plants survive and thrive where the hybrids (the kind you get at big-box store greenhouses) require more fuss. At least that's what I've observed in my experience with both. The roots of some native plants can reach up to 18 feet, therefore allowing them to tolerate flood, drought, and fire. They attract many pollinators that need a specific food source for survival. The endangered Monarch Butterfly needs the host plant, Milkweed. They lay their tiny eggs on it, and when they hatch, the baby caterpillars eat to their heart's content until they are ready to go into their chrysalis. 

Rest Awhile, 8x6 inches, oil

Native plants are a great way to landscape, whether you have an acre or a square foot of dirt. My favorite thing to do is take close-up photos of the plants and grasses at any time of year...when they are blooming is the best, though. I have quite a collection of photos by now. Drawing, re-drawing, flattening, and morphing the shapes leads me to some fun compositions until I have a painting that is abstract, but with the essence of the initial inspiration. I work in oils, and sometimes mixed media with oil. Many of the paintings are painted in both a small and large format. If you are interested in commissioning me to paint any of them in a specific size, that can be done as well.  You can see the entire collection of Plant-Based Abstracts here on my website, and I keep adding to it, so check back often. Thanks for reading, as always.  

Cheers ~

Heidi