The End of the Story

Orchid Bud by Lisa Goesling

This single Orchid Bud, no larger than a dime, really intrigued me. There was nothing particularly grand about it when viewed through the naked eye, but once I placed my magnifying glass between my eye and this bud, something truly unexpected occurred. An undulating structure, more brain-like than flower appeared, filled with an array of colors that weren't there a minute ago.

After hours of capturing the twisted layers that formed this tiny bud, I finally had it framed and put on display. 

Normally that would have been the end of it. But not in this case, in this case I knew that there was more to the story. 

Back to the drawing board, I introduced the evolution of an orchid, contrasting the buds tight shapes with the suggestion of a fully realized flower. 

Mother Nature

Top: Art of a Catkin from a Pussy Willow and a Fingerprint. Bottom: Lacy Leaf and Dragonfly by Lisa Goesling

Have you ever noticed how much nature's patterns repeat themselves? I first became truly aware when I was drawing a dragonfly. Not long before, I had completed a black and white scratchboard of a leaf eaten away by bugs. I named it Lacy Leaf because the patterns were so delicate and intricate, just like a fine piece of lace. 

When I began to study the dragonfly, it too had a detailed pattern, much like the leaf. I was stunned by how the same seemingly random shapes fit together to form a majestic dragonfly. 

Just the other day a friend came across one of my scratchboards of Pussy Willows. Her immediate response was, "they look like fingerprints!"

By this point, I was well aware of designs repeating themselves in birds, insects, plants and flowers. What I hadn't considered was that we share similar patterns with the rest of nature. All I had to do was to take a closer look. 

One Catkin In Bloom

One Catkin In Bloom

Capturing a single catkin, (the puffy bloom on a pussy willow) right when all of the little buds were exploding was so much fun! I spend a lot of time studying pussy willows. Their fine lines, depth and details are perfect for Scratchbords. Taking a small surface and making a big impression proves that art doesn't have to be huge to be powerful.

One Catkin in Bloom by Lisa Goesling-Copyright

Swept Away

Swept Away

I spend a whole lot of time distracted, not exactly watching where I am going. That's because I am always focused on finding the next great subject matter to create from. This branch with it's spotted, crumpled, leaves was waiting for me one day outside of my door. It isn't fall yet, but it didn't seem to know that.

Swept Away by Lisa Goesling-Copyright

Catkin Study

Catkin Study

In keeping with my pussy willow theme, I thought I would concentrate on their most distinctive element, the catkin. Before male catkins come into full flower, they are covered in fine greyish 'fur', one of the earliest signs of spring. Chinese legend says that the young green shoots sprouting through the puffy white buds signify prosperity. I am only about half way through this single catkin, still debating whether or not to add color. A lot more dimension needs to be added to this 20"x20" piece, but eventually I hope that you will feel as if you can reach out and touch it!

Catkin Study by Lisa Goesling-Copyright

Cropping

Copyright: Orange Tulips by Lisa Goesling

By not focusing directly on the flowers, it adds interest to the entire composition. People expect the flowers to be the star, I like to give the viewer more than what is expected. The leaves interact with the orange flowers bringing your eye right into the art and the rich tones add a stately elegance to the tulips.

JL Lily

It sure is nice when friends send flowers! I especially loved receiving these Lily's since I am crazy about the sender! Besides smelling great, it was fun capturing all of the shapes, textures, patterns, colors and of course-details. This image was used in a Dick Blick Materials Ad in Drawing Magazine.