Parnell Corder

Third Wheel

2012-01-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

Ive been asked how these fit into the rest of my works which are generally straight forward botanicals. The actual brushed aluminum pinwheel sits in the garden. Its semi-shiny surface reflects all that exists around it. The sky, trees, ground and flowers become areas of color on the smooth metallic surface. I move it to different locations in the garden to capture various elements like the brown ground or bright green leaves or a subtle flower. I also see it as a record of time of day and the seasons, a calendar if you will. Even a thermometer. The intensity of the reflective colors and shadows will change over the course of the year from cool winter grays and blues to spring and summer heat golds and greens.

Details are:
Pin Wheel #3
Watercolor on paper
22" x 15

PINWHEELS

2011-12-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

Parnell Corder
2 PinWheels
Watercolor on paper
each 22" x 15"

Sea Shell- Pleuroploca gigantea

2011-09-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Pleuroploca gigantea
Parnell Corder
Large Shell
Watercolor on paper
30" x 22"

READ MORE

Ombra, Leaf

2011-08-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this one for a couple of days now. I think its getting to a good place. The Shadow (ombra, in Italian) needs a bit more smoothing out at the top. I am torn whether to put in the shadows that the leaf casts down below or if I like it kind of oddly stark.

Curled Leaf with Shadow, 2011
Watercolor on paper
14" x 11" ?
final size TBD once I determine the proper scale of the shadow compared to the leaf and blank area below.
It's all about proportion people!

New Leaf Side 1

2011-08-17T10:58:00.001-07:00

New leaf Side 1, 2011
Watercolor on paper
22" x 30"

Starfish Friday

2011-07-29T13:36:00.001-07:00

Melianthus major or Kruidjie-roer-my-nie , Say what?

2011-06-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

Im really into seed pods lately. I love all the transformations plants go through during their seasons to produce and carry their seed. The Melianthus major or Kruidjie-roer-my-nie (however you pronounce that) plant in the garden has an abundant cycle of soft light grey/green sawtooth leaves . It produces tall cones of red/Burgandy flowers followed by clusters of puffy green seed pods. I collected several of the drying pods from stalks after a cutting.

Find out more about the beautiful Melianthus major.

Painting Details:
Parnell Corder
Melianthus major , single pod, 2011
Watercolor on paper
4" x 4"

Dry - Palm Springs

2011-06-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit dry with the postings of new works lately so here is a painting with just that feeling. A beautiful cactus in a beautiful desert landscape in Palm Springs, CA. More new fresh works on the way.

OH, and one more....

2011-03-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Learn more about this Rufous Hummingbird.

Parnell Corder
Rufous Hummingbird
Watercolor on paper
22" x 22"

and... another

2011-02-28T09:01:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY HUMMINGBIRD - RUBY THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

2010-12-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

A nice little friend to brighten up the chilly day. Find out more about this little beauty here.

Parnell Corder
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, 2010
Watercolor on Paper
22" x 22"

The American Dahlia Society

2010-10-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

I'm not a member but I thought it to be a good title.

All works are watercolor on paper. 15"x 15" working on a whole bunch of these for an upcoming project.

You can check out more The American Dahlia Society here.

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS

2010-09-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

An end of summer Orchid diversion. I present the lovely and complicated Pineapple or, Ananas comosus .

Watercolor on paper.
30" x 22"

Oncidium Sharry Baby

2010-08-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Flower Detail

Painting Detail

Here is a fabulous new work. The fragrance on this one is outstanding. A sweet little number.

Oncidium Sharry Baby
Watercolor on paper
22"x 30"

D-Vine Bloom

2010-07-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

Watercolor on paper
22" x 22"

Friday in July

2010-07-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

A small bloom for the warm weather

SCABIOSA SEED POD

2010-06-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite flowers in the seed pod form. Im not sure if Im totally in love with this drawing.... I think it got a bit muddy and flat. I did not really understand the complicated ball structure at the initial drawing,layout stage. This requires a bit more investigation of the textures and transparencies. Back to the drawing board!

Details Are:
Scabiosa Seed Pod
Colour Pencil on Paper
13" x 11"

A flowering Scabiosa in a dark chocolate-burgundy color. Its beautiful in White and a lovely lavender as well.

YELLOW MAY BLOOM

2010-05-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yellow Vanda Bloom
Watercolour on Paper
11" x 11

Paphiopedilum

2010-03-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

Paphiopedilum
P.Niobe
Watercolour on paper
11" x 11"

Patterns and Abstractions of Nature A Fine Art Mixed Media Exhibition

2010-02-01T21:43:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce my participation in the following exhibition:

Filoli Center
Patterns and Abstractions of Nature
A Fine Art Mixed Media Exhibition
Patterns and Abstractions of Nature is an exhibit of original fine art drawings, paintings and photographs. The installation illuminates the force and structural beauty of nature in all its glory seen through the works of America's most prominent botanical illustrators and contemporary artists working in the genre.

Exhibition Dates:
Tuesday, February 9 through Sunday, April 11

Meet the Artists
Saturday, March 27, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
On this special day visitors can meet the artists, learn what inspires them and discover how they create their artwork. Admission is free with paid admission to Filoli. Reservations are not necessary.

Filoli Center:
Located 30 miles south of San Francisco, Filoli is a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century.

Filoli Center
86 Cañada Road
Woodside, California 94062
www.filoli.org
Phone: (650) 364-8300
Fax: (650) 366-7836
Email: friends@filoli.org

announcement design: conn brattain http://connbrattain.com/

The Exhibition and I got a very nice mention over at Artplantae as well Check it out! Thanks!

Fredclarkeara After Dark 'Gothic Prom'‏

2010-01-24T08:03:00.001-08:00

Fredclarkeara After Dark 'Gothic Prom'‏

I was first introduced to this beauty by Mr Allen Black over at The Orchid Source Allen had posted a photo of his blooming specimen in a discussion forum and I fell in love. Allen was kind enough to send me some high res pictures so I could create the painting. Check out more of Allen's orchid Photography at: Allen Black Photography

Below is an excerpt from an article over at fellow blogger: Ecelectic Epihytes and Electrophoretic Epigrams
Fredclarkeara is an artificial genus, a hybrid encompassing the natural genera Catasetum, Mormodes and Clowesia. Many species in the Catasetinae group have very dark flowers, but none match the jet-black, inky blossoms of Fredclarkeara After Dark, a grex created by the skillful hybridization of Mormodia Painted Desert and Catasetum Donna Wise. Four selected cultivars of the majestic F. After Dark have received First Class Certificates, the highest award bestowed by the American Orchid Society.

Painting Details:
Fredclarkeara After Dark 'Gothic Prom'‏
Watercolor on paper, 2010
30" x 22"

Acer Helicopter 1/2

2009-12-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

Parnell Corder
Maple Seed
Watercolor on paper, 2009
22" 30"

November Vanda

2009-11-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

November Vanda, 2009
Watercolor on paper
30" x 22"

VARIEGATED PELARGONIUM

2009-11-12T17:42:00.000-08:00

More Commonly known as GERANIUM ! I'm a big fan of VARIEGATION, there is a liveliness to a variegated leave that I am always drawn to in a garden setting. This plant has a fresh lemony/minty smell when the leaves are rubbed in the hand.
VARIEGATED PELARGONIUM
Watercolour on paper
22" x 22"

Here's To You Mrs. Robinson!

2009-10-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the amazing pleasure to visit the OUTSTANDING
Virgina Robinson Estate and Gardens located in the fabulous city of Beverly Hills, CA .

THE POOL HOUSE has a Billiard and Card Room.

View from the pool house to the home. GORG!

I took the tour of the estate with my friend David. We had a smashing time walking the gardens and home .We got a special treat to be shown around by the Managing Director, Timothy Lindsay who filled in for a regular docent who was MIA. I think there was a sale at Cartier.

The Singing Staircase. It sings as the water trickles down the center trough. Magical Sounds

-Highly recommended to any one who enjoys Gardens, Beaux Arts California Architecture and History. Such Fun! The Estate holds grand parties and offers a variety of programs including Botanical Illustration Instruction (I'm there), Benefits and Exhibitions for Floral Designers and Fancy Hat Garden Galas. TOO MUCH! Its hard to imagine but this estate was grown from rough California terrain when goats, cows and scrub typical of Southern California landscape was all that would become the luxury which is now Beverly Hills.

Mr. Lindsay discusses one of the two Rose Gardens. One for cutting flowers and one for show.

Mary Pickford ate here

Salon

Library with over 3000 rare books

Built in 1911, the Robinson Estate was one of the first homes in Beverly Hills. Its owner Virgina Robinson (of Robinsons- May department store fame), was known as “The First Lady of Beverly Hills” She transformed her hilly, six acre estate into a lushly landscaped, tropical oasis. Her regular bridge games at the estate attracted Fred Astaie, Charles Boyer and Maurice Chevalier. She was also known for her grand parties which were attended dignitary such as Ronald Reagan. When she died in 1977 (at age 99) she was busy planning her 100^th birthday party! She willed her manor to the Los Angeles County for the public’s enjoyment. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic places.

Opened to the public in 1982, this estateis not only known for being one of the first homes in Beverly Hills, but alson for its six sloping acres of veritable lush gardens featuring exotic tropical and subtropical specimens. A delight to visit any time of the year because there is always something in bloom.

Terraced patio gardens connected by brick paths with fountains and ponds help create a stunning private garden world.

The Virgina Robinson Gardens

1-310-276-5367

1008 Elden Way

Beverly Hills, CA

90210

Available for tour by appointment only.

ARTPLANTAE ONLINE ARTICLE

FILOLI UPDATE (finally)

2009-08-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

The Beautiful Filoli Estate

A dramatic view from the terrace

Well, the 11th Annual Botanical Art Exhibition opened on July 23, 2009 I drove and drove from LA to Woodside ,CA on Thursday just for the opening. Im very pleased I did. I had a great time and the Exhibition is beautiful. The show was hung with some incredibly fine examples of top notch Botanical Illustrations from some of the most acclaimed illustrators around. I was very honored to be included in this select group.

Traveling to and From. Funny, this drive basically looks the exactly same either direction
you are headed. Not much happening.

Tina (my lovely escort for the evening) and myself in the entry hall.
Photo Credit: Dan Coyro, (Tina's regular guy)

The famous Lily pond

Enthusiastic Botanical Art fans. That is the Fabulous Ann in the white dress. Hey Ann It was a super pleasure to meet you. Thanks for your kind words and support!

More Looking at my work

Congratulations to all the Artists included. You can see a list of the artists exhibiting at an interesting site I discovered called ArtPlante Today .

Detail from the Garden: Hot, Beautiful & Cool

I wanted to thank all the amazing staff from the Filoli as well as the Curators, Volunteers and Jurors who put the exhibition together. A big thanks to Cathy Rampley!

Thank You - Tina And Dan for the Great Lunch, Dinner, Prosecco at Soif Wine Bar & Charming Santa Cruz Hospitality. See you soon!

11th Annual Botanical Art Exhibit, FILOLI ESTATE

2009-06-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce my participation in the 11th Annual Botanical Art Exhibit at the beautiful Filoli Estate, CA.

Located 30 miles south of San Francisco, Filoli is an historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century.

These amazing announcements were created by my super good friend and designer extraordinaire: CONN BRATTAIN of Cuckoo for Coconuts fame!

Filoli
11th Annual Botanical Art Exhibition
June 23 through August 16th, 2009

Artist Reception
Thursday July 16th, 5-7PM
Reservations required
R.S.V.P. to 650-364-8300 xt 298 or
classes@filoli.org

Filoli
86 Canada Road
Woodside, CA 94062
650-364-8300
www.filoli.org

Along with strolling through the beautiful gardens and touring the house , you can also view the Florilegium collections on view during the Botanical Art Exhibit.

Check out their Blooming Calendar to see what might be blooming when you make your visit!

Phalaenopsis bellina

2009-05-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

A small little update.
Phalaenopsis bellina
watercolor on paper
11 x 11

More about the beautiful Phalaenopsis bellina .

TWO BOOKS IN A PAINTING

2009-05-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

Two books this time! Twice the enjoyment!

Book Painting, 2 Books
Watercolour on paper
22" x 22"

Wednesday White May, 2009

2009-05-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

A lovely work I recently completed. Enjoy on a windy Wednesday.

BOOK PAINTING III

2009-04-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here is another in the "Book Painting" series. Watercolor on paper 30" x 22"
"Flowering Plants of the World, Pages 150 & 151"

Here is the painting & the book

This is a picture of the book

This is a detail of the painting.

BLUE IT

2009-04-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

The blue ribbon. Oooooooo!

And finally, the image from the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show all framed up!

AN ORCHID OUTING IN SANTA BARBARA 2009

2009-03-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Today I drove from Los Angeles , California. To: Santa Barbara, California (and back). It was a beautiful day to drive up (and down). I transported a painting which I was invited to display at the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. This is the 64th Annual SBIOS Exhibition . An innovative aspect of this show is that they exhibit orchid themed fine artwork alongside fantastic orchid displays by growers from around the globe.

The show is held at the Earl Warren Center in Santa Barbara. Orchids collectors and the like come from all over the world to see this show. Check out the architecture of this place. I love it, so cool. Look at the shapes of these steel structures.

After I checked-in with the lovely Art Committee, I took a stroll around where the other vendors were setting up. Here is a beautiful Cattleya fresh out of the box. I love the packing material draping down.
I found these ladies creating Ikebana arrangements. I wanted to get closer but a barrier had been placed around the work/display area so they could do their Zen designs without interruption. They were soooo in there moments.

A beautiful display in progress. The photo is deceiving. The top of the white orchid in the foreground is chest high to me. The pots are big , the plant is big, the parfume..... to die. I will try to update the grower/designer.

Pictured here is Mr. Earl Warren ?, on a bronze horse with a perfect blue sky of the California coast. If you are in the area check out the show from the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show 2009

Book Painting #2

2008-12-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

Another painting of another book. More Orchids to come.

VANDA BOOM BLOOM

2008-12-16T09:11:00.000-08:00

Here we have another of the smaller paintings featuring the bloom. This one of Vanda Sandra Johnson 'Crownfox'. I love the names. They are always an interesting combination of the growers and "parent" plants of the specimens.

Water color on paper
11x 11"

Check this article out written by the undisputed king of VANDA ORCHIDS Mr Robert Fuchs.

AN OPEN BOOK

2008-12-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

As you might now I create many different kinds of art imagery. So I thought I might include something new Ive been working on besides the Orchids and other botanicals.

I started a series of paintings of books. I really enjoy the challenge of duplicating the book and the imagery in the book as exact to actual scale as possible. An interesting aspect of this piece was the Chinese characters on the left side of the painting.

Details are:
Book Painting (page 490)
Watercolor on paper
15" x 22"

Now Posting...On the RIVER

2008-11-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a while since I posted. Ive been tied up with lots of different things. All of them good.

One of those good things is that I am sending some of the Orchid works to be on consignment with a really cool shop over on the opposite coast in Essex, CT. Check them out :
RIVER

They create amazing floral designs and sell unique objects and artifacts in their store along with cool art like mine! Stop by if you are in their part of the woods and say hello. Its the perfect spot for a little Holiday (or any day) Retail Therapy.

RIVER
21 Main Street
Essex, CT 06426
860- 304- 8480

*Ask for Joe or John

White Hot August

2008-08-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

White on White - Watercolor on paper. 30" x 22"

ALOHA

2008-06-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Some of my work is featured in a story about my friends Conn and John over at:

http://cuckooforcoconuts.blogspot.com/

The story and Pictures are at the link below:
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/06/sneak-peek-conn-and-john-in-hawaii.html

odontoglossum

2008-06-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Odontoglossum, first named in 1816 by Karl Sigismund Kunth, is a genus of about 100 orchids. The scientific name is derived from the Greek words odon (tooth) and glossa (tongue), referring to the two tooth-like calluses on the base of the lip. This genus of cool to cold growing orchids is to be found on open spots in the humid cloud forest at higher elevations from Central- and West South America to Guyana, with most species around the northern Andes. The abbreviation for this genus is Odm in horticultural trade.

DETAIL
The pseudobulbs are compact with leaf-like bracts at the base. They give one to three apical leaves. An arching (and sometimes erect) inflorescence grows from its base. The ruffled sepals and petals of these spectacular flowers are spreading. The lip is rather complex, entire or with three lobes. It stands erect or parallel to the long column. The high altitude species show long inflorescences with up to 150 flowers (as in O. cirrhosum), while the lower altitude species have shorter inflorescences with up to 20 flowers. These flowers may be white, red, purple, brown, yellow, or even be blotched with a showy blend of many colors.

Painting Details:
Odontoglossum, 2008
Watercolor on paper
30" x 22"

Orchidaceae

May - Cymbidium- From the Garden

2008-05-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

Artwork Details
Parnell Corder
Color pencil on paper
18" x 24

CYMBIDIUM MARCH 08

2008-03-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate to have a nice group of potted Cymbidium in the garden to offer up their beautiful blooms for a nice portrait.

The photo and the painting are different plants. You can tell by the difference in the
labellum or lip.

This is a watercolor of one of my favorites. I have had this particular plant for I'd say... 12 years? I have re-potted and divided it several times over that period.

The blooms last for a very long time if the darn bugs and slugs don't get to them. They last almost as long as cuttings in a vase indoors. Beautiful, Beautiful.

Painting details are:
Parnell Corder
Cymbidium, March 08
Watercolor on paper
21 x 19 Inches

COLMANARA - WILDCAT - ORCHID ART

2008-03-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

The source material for this drawing is my- COLMANARA, Wildcat 'Lorene' AM/AOS. Which I got as a rescue/charity case orchid sometime ago. I am very proud to say the patient has come back to us and has experienced a full recovery.

DETAILS ARE:
Parnell Corder
COLMANARA, Wildcat 'Lorene' AM/AOS
2008
Color Pencil on paper
24" x 18"

ONE / ONE-ONE / O8

2008-01-11T17:25:00.001-08:00

Another Super Dynamo - Paphiopedilum.
Color pencil on paper
23" x 18

ONE / FOUR / O-EIGHT

2008-01-04T17:24:00.000-08:00

Well, It turns out they are two different Varieties. Indeed. Enjoy non the less look for more images of both soon.

Curious, I noticed once I had finished this drawing that the specimen I was working from was very different from the plants in the previous post even though (I think) they are from the same group. The plant I have has been indoors since I received it.

My Indoor Bloom:

Their Outdoor Bloom:

The plants in the previous post live outside and get more light so they have matured faster and the blooms have opened up more completely than mine. The colors have separated more distinctly into spots and stronger defined color lines. This is my theory so far. Any Ideas? Am I working with two different Paps? I am going to ask my friends at the AOS - American Orchid Society.

DRAWING DETAILS
Paphiopedilum, 2008
Color Pencil on paper
23" x 18'

PAPHIOPEDILUM - MMVII

2007-12-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

My dear friends N & L have a beautiful home and garden here in the 90210.

Mr. N Has quite a green thumb and his collection of Paphiopedilum, really put on a crowd pleasing show every year. Ive been waiting for more of the blooms to open up to get the full impact of the collection and Mr. N's fantastic display.

I can't wait to get started on paintings and drawings of these specimens as a large group and individually. I'm thinking BIG on this project.
BIG WATERCOLORS, BIG DRAWINGS!!!

It is amazing how the same blooms can look so delicate and soft...

And then so dynamic and bold depending on the light and angles.

Check back soon to how the works come along. Be sure t look at the "previous posts / archives" for more images of my work.
Merci to N & L.

Orchid Is The New Black

2007-12-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

I like to sometimes try different materials and techniques other than the watercolors to capture the drama and beauty of a particular orchid. Like this Grammatophyllum speciosum .

I love drawing and I love color pencils. Everything looks great drawn in color pencil. What makes this drawing super dynamic is the fact that it is drawn on BLACK paper. Kind of along the lines of a Velvet Elvis concept. The blooms really pop from the background . The shadows on the petals are not darkened in, that is actually where the black paper shows through when there is no drawing.

Enjoy, More to come!

Please contact me for more information and regarding purchasing available works. I accept commissions of all types and sizes. I can be reached at my email address
parnellcorder@hotmail.com

ART FILE 11/1/07

2007-11-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

I found this piece while I was looking for another painting for a client in my Art Files.

Some time ago, THE LOS ANGELES ARBORETUM asked me to come up with some designs for a poster to honor their annual Iris festival which happens every spring. I forgot how flash this piece was so when I rediscovered it so, I knew I had to post it. They wound up going with a different painting I presented to them for the poster but I think this one convinced them I was the one for the job.

The painting is made on three different panels of paper. Inspired by traditional Japanese screens, I made an arrangement of several different varieties of Iris throughout the gold metallic back ground to evoke a sense of a natural garden atmosphere. The Iris are painted in watercolor while the background is Gold Metallic Acrylic

It is a big work once all assembled measuring a little over 10 feet long and over 2.5 feet high.

Here are the panels individually, From Left to Right.

Left Panel

Center Panel

Right Panel

LAELIA ON THURSDAY

2007-10-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Laelia

Laelia
purpurata

ORCHIDELIC BABY!

2007-10-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

I'm going for some mind blowing inspiration, man. Those readers in the Southern California area should check it out! See their web sites below for more info.

"The 2007 show will include over 15 vendors from around the world selling orchids and supplies and over 30 orchid displays highlighting the new Rose Hills Foundation Conservatory for Botanical Science that opened in October 2005. The conservatory will be home to numerous orchid displays, tropical plants, and educational and laboratory space."

"Eight southern California orchid societies will be working with the Southland Committee to present the orchid show. Orchid displays from these societies will be spread around the botanical center and conservatory, emphasizing the diversity and expertise of the amateur orchid grower here in the Los Angeles area."

Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, October 19-21, 2007.
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
(626) 405-2100

ORCHIDELIC:
http://orchidshow.org

The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens Website Link:

http://www.huntington.org

VANDA

2007-09-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is a Vanda Hybrid (Reverend Masso Yamada). The Vanda orchid
group is made up of about 50 different species of Monopodial orchids. They have showy long lasting blooms in a large variety of colors. Watercolor on paper. 11" x 11"

Parnell Corder

PROSTHECHEA

2007-09-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Another inspirational image from the Garden of M. I cant wait to get to work on this as a large watercolor

Prosthechea

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

• •

Prosthechea is a genus in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). The name is derived from the Greek word prostheke (appendix), referring to the appendage on the back of the column.

The genus Prosthechea has only recently (1997; published in 1998) been reestablished by W. E. Higgins as a distinct genus (see references), but some species were later transferred to EuchileEuchile mariae and Euchile citrina) by Withner (1998). Previously, the species had been included in different genera : Anacheilium, Encyclia, Epidendrum, Euchile, Hormidium and Pollardia. The status as genus was confirmed by recent data, based on molecular evidence (nuclear (nrITS) and plastid (matK and trnL-F) DNA sequence data) (C. van den Berg et al. 2000) (e.g.,

This a neotropical epiphytic genus, occurring from Florida and Mexico to tropical America.

The roots of all Prosthechea species possess a velamen (a thick sponge-like covering) differentiated into epivelamen and endovelamen. Flavonoid crystals were observed in both the roots and leaves. The erect stems form flattened or thickened pseudobulbs. There are 1 to 3 terminal, sessile leaves. The leathery blade is ovate to lanceolate.

The flowers form an apical, paniculate raceme with a spathe at the base of the inflorescence . There is a great variety in the flowers of this genus. They may be attached to the stem by a peduncle or may be sessile. They can flower on the raceme at the same time or successively. They can be resupinate (i.e. turned upside down) or not.

The sepals are almost equal in length, while the petals can be much slender. The lip is pressed closely (adnate to proximal) to half of the column and shows a callus (a stiff protuberance). The column is 3- to 5-toothed at its top.

The are four, almost equal pollinia with an inverted egg shape. There are four stalks (or caudicles) in two pairs. The beak is entire, curved into a half circle and covered with viscous glycoside crystals.

The fruits consists of ellipse-shaped to egg-shaped , 1-locular, 3-winged capsules.

Stanhopea veneshiana

2007-09-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

The finished painting of the Stanhopea
provided by my friend M. Watercolor on Arches, 30" x 22" You can see photographs of the actual specimen in the previous post- "An Orchid Outing" below.

Not an Orchid

2007-08-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

As I have said before I create other paintings as well as the Orchids. This is a new work I have just completed. I had an arrangement of Casablanca Lilies and I just could not resist the lush curves and turns of the white petals. This work is also different for me as it is ACRYLIC on paper instead of watercolor. The paper size is 30" x 45".

AN ORCHID OUTING

2007-08-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

My friend M. not only lives in a very cool historically significant 1920's Adobe home here in LA but he is also an avid Orchid enthusiast. He cultivates many varieties of orchids and so the other day I decided to pay him a visit and see what was happening in his Orchid collection.

I wanted to take the opportunity to photograph different specimens for reference materials to be used for future paintings. Knowing that M. has a lot more going on in his orchid collection than I do, I knew I was in for a special treat. I was not disappointed. Suspended from an exotically turned branch was an outstanding example of Stanhopea veneshiana (I hope I got that right).

It was not opened upon first viewing but...

Two days later M. called and said to come back as it had opened up to a spectacular presentation.

Not only was it beautiful in form and shape the fragrance was wild! A strange mix of Chocolate and Mint.

My thanks to M.
Enjoy and stay tuned for more images from M."s garden plus more paintings inspired by this wonderfull collection and great friend.

Click to see more information:
Stanhopea

POWER FLOWER

2007-08-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

A SPLASH OF COLOR

2007-07-25T11:47:00.001-07:00

HOW TO #5 FINISH LINE

2007-07-22T08:48:00.001-07:00

Here is the finished product. It normally does not take as long as these posts have taken to appear for me to complete a watercolor like this one. Check back to see new paintings and other Orchid happenings.

HOW TO #FOUR

2007-07-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of images as the painting progresses. Enjoy!

HOW TO #3

2007-07-14T09:12:00.001-07:00

I use liquid watercolors from tubes like this. I like the consistency of the paint. It also allows immediate intense color straight from the tube when I want it.

The watercolor is squeezed out on to tin palettes like these. I can arrange the colors in my own color wheel placing color and groups of colors in places where they are most useful to me. After a while the tin becomes a bit overcrowded and muddy like the one on the left. When that happens I just rinse the entire thing off with water and start over.

I start putting down layers in different areas . Working in different areas at the same time on the painting makes it come together pretty fast. Painting white blooms on a white piece of paper can also be a little tricky. It is a difficult balance to give the blooms the depth of color but still retain the appearance of a white flower. Overworking the area I run the risk of it becoming cloudy and dull.

Check back for more progress.

HOW TO # TWO

2007-07-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

I create my watercolor images on Fabrianno or Arches 140lb watercolor paper. The paper size is 22 x 30 inches -a size I am comfortable working on but I work in many sizes. The paper needs to be strong enough to handle large amounts of washes of water and repeated applications in particular areas and not get too distorted. I really like the rough edges on these papers it looks great once the works are floated in a frame for hanging.

I work on a flat table in my studio facing the window making use of the natural light. I begin by closely examining the specimen and lightly sketch out the composition on the paper. Sorry for the poor quality image. it was difficult to capture the drawing delicacies with out washing them out or having to manipulate it in another program and have it come out not looking like a pencil drawing. I sometimes take liberties with proportion or placement of the blooms to the leaves and roots so I can create a more dynamic composition. I try to draw as lightly as possible and minimize the amount of pencil marks with out sacrificing details. I keep the actual specimen on the table next to me to continually refer to during the entire process. It is a great way to spend the day.

HOW TO #1

2007-07-10T16:56:00.001-07:00

Several people have asked to see images of works in progress to see how I come up with a finished illustration.
I like to work with natural light and Im very fortunate to have a great studio space to work in with plenty of natural, Southern California sunshine. I also like to work from living specimens like this White Phalaenopsis which just opened up the other day. Friends and other Orchid lovers like myself are always willing to share a blooimg plant for documentation when I lack live resource materials from my own Orchid collection. Sometimes I venture into new territory like the palm which I posted previously. Check back to see my progress. I will get into more details about materials I use and how I apply them.

FROM THE SHADOWS

2007-07-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have had any luck with my collection of Phalaenopsis Orchids. I lost many due my mistake of placing them in an area of the garden which I thought would be a perfect growing spot for them to flower. After several relocations and more casualties Ive been able to spend more time paying closer attention to their needs and I'm getting some positive results. Several specimens have spikes with healthy blooms breaking open.

PHALAENOPSIS
The generic name means "Phalaen[a]-like" and is probably a reference to the genus Phalaena, the name given by Carolus Linnaeus to a group of large moths; the flowers of some species supposedly resemble moths in flight. For this reason, the species are sometimes called Moth orchids.
They are native throughout southeast Asia from the Himalayan mountains to the islands of Polillo and Palawan of the Philippines and northern Australia. Orchid Island off Taiwan is named after this orchid. Little is known about their habitat and their ecology in nature since little field research has been done in the last decades.

Phalaenopsis amabilis (Moon Orchid)
Most are epiphytic shade plants; a few are lithophytes. In the wild they are typically found below the canopies of moist and humid lowland forests, protected against direct sunlight, but equally in seasonally dry or cool environments. The species have adapted individually to these three habitats.
Phalaenopsis shows a monopodial growth habit. An erect growing rhizome produces from the top one or two alternate, thick and fleshy, elleptical leaves a year. The older, basal leaves drop off at the same rate. The plant retains in this way four to five leaves. If very healthy, they can have up to ten or more leaves. They have no pseudobulbs. The raceme appears from the stem between the leaves. They bloom in their full glory for several weeks. If kept in the home, they usually last two to three months, which is considered quite a long time.

2007-06-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

DORITAENOPSIS

2007-06-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

Doritaenopsis (pronounced)
doh-RYE-ten-OPP-sis
is a manmade intergeneric hybrid between Doritis and a Phalaenopsis.

PAPHIOPEDILUM SAMPLER

2007-06-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

The slipper orchids, with their distinctive modified lip or "pouch", have long been highly prized in horticulture. They are cultivated throughout the world, and countless hybrids have been produced from the 80 or so species.
Clockwise from top:
Paphiopedilum (sukhakulii x Virgo)(hybrid)
Paphiopedilum tonsum
Paphiopedilum venustum var.measuresianum
Paphiopedilum maudiae (hybrid)
Paphiopedilum gael (hybrid)

Pay attention. There will be a quiz after.

PLEIONE speciosa

2007-06-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Adding To The Grid

2007-05-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

Militoniopsis roezlii was discovered in 1873.
www.parnellcorder.blogspot.com

Something New

2007-05-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this piece in between the orchid paintings. It is a larger piece, 26" high and 41" wide. It is close to actual size of the palm in the garden.

Sunday Cymbidium

2007-05-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

This is a new approach with the treatment of the leaves. Its a bit more "designed" than a direct depiction of the plant. I think it works well. Parnell Corder.

Orange Orange Orange

2007-05-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

Here is another example of Vuylstekeara Cambria. This genus was named after the famous Belgian orchid collector Charles Vuylsteke in 1911. He raised many Hybrid Orchids and created the first Bigeneric Hybrid between Odontoglossum and Cochlioda.

Vuylstekeara Cambria

2007-05-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

I decided to focus on the bloom alone on this painting. The paper size is 11" x 11" . I would like to do more like this and create an entire grid wall of them say, 20 paintings or so.

More To Inspire

2007-05-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

ORCHID GIVING

2007-04-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

This is an earlier work in more of a softer, wash style than the current paintings I create. I am donating this painting to the
THE VENICE FAMILY CLINIC ART WALK & AUCTIONS.
The clinic here in Los Angeles provides free medical services to tens of thousands of low-income adults, childern and seniors who have no private medical insurance. More info at www.veniceartwalk.info

A Brand New Day

2007-04-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Brassia

2007-04-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

Brassias are commonly known as Spider Orchids.

Orchid Art

From The Orchid Files

2007-04-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

Full Bloom

2007-04-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

The Cymbidiums in the garden are in full bloom along with a couple of new paintings. There are aprox. 10 vases with many spikes with a variety of colours and shapes. Click on the photos for the Full view of a select few.

bp0.blogger.com/_hgI07HbalHc/RhMlpnjZQgI/AAAAAAAAABM/50NIFGQoZW0/s320/LightGreenCymbidium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049421004134760962" />

2 New Recent Paintings

2007-01-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

These are two works I completed just recently. I will put images of new works as they progress.
Enjoy!

ORCHID WATERCOLORS

2007-01-22T08:46:00.000-08:00