Italian Hibiscus

I'm always fascinated when I find plants native to one part of the world growing profusely in another part.  Like this hibiscus.  It was growing in a small hilltop park above the harbor in Sorrento, Italy. Noted for growing in the tropics, hibiscus can be found in native habitats ranging from Africa, to Argentina, to Jamaica.  Some are even hot-climate varieties. 

"Italian Hibiscus"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Pretty in Pink

The ruffles of a double hibiscus add to the beauty of an ordinary flower.  The deep color in the throat of this one adds another dimesion.  It's it fun to find all the ways Mother Nature intrigues us.

"Pretty in Pink"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Flowering Maple

To many of you, this might look like a Hibiscus.  But it's not.  Where I live there are tons of hibiscus, all colors and shapes.  We don't have maple trees or anything close, only Canadians when they come to the desert in the winter.  But this is a prime example why flowers are not used to identify plants.  It the leaves and leaf structure that a botanist looks at to truly make an identification.  This is one of many flowering maples I saw at the botanical gardens in Spokane.  And they come in a wide range of colors.

"Flowering Maple"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Joanne's Hibiscus

I was at my friend Joanne's for lunch earlier this week when I looked out the window and saw this hibiscus.  The light on it was awesome.  At least I thought so.  I hope you like it as much as I do.

"Joanne's Hibiscus"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Colors of the Sunset

Nature's palette comes fully loaded.  This hibiscus, beautifully tinged with coral around a vibrant pink, is just a sampling of the wide range of colors to be found.  I couldn't have painted it better if I tried. That's what's so intriguing about using flowers as my primary subject.  They always inspire me.


"Colors of the Sunset"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Red Ruffles

There aren't many flowers in the desert this time of year but we do have our share of hibiscus. However, most of them have a single row of petals and aren't too exciting. I found this ruffled number in downtown Santa Barbara while having lunch last year. It pays to carry your camera.

"Red Ruffles" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Pistils and Stamens

There's a saying, "You can't see the forest for the trees" that is trying to teach us to really look at things. This is a prime example. Sometimes the real beauty is in the small details.

"Pistils and Stamens" © Kathy Dunham 2009

The Blue Gate

Taking the road less traveled often provides big rewards. The last time I was in Santa Barbara my friend Joanne and I decided to take a back road on the outskirts of the city to see where it would take us. Making decisions at forks in the road is fun and surprises can pop up around the next bend. I stopped to take pictures of Our Lady of Mount Carmel church on the outskirts of Montecito and when I walked into the courtyard found this beautiful gate with hibiscus growing around it.

"The Blue Gate" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Orange Sherbet

I often name my floral paintings after food. I'm not sure why. I love good food and there must be an unconscious hunger when I look at a potential subject. I've painted several hibiscus and the double variety appeals to me with it's flowing petals. They remind me of a ballerina's skirt, swirling as she dances.

"Orange Sherbet" © Kathy Dunham 2008