I have not painted many exotic (non-Australian native) plants. You get so used to creating certain textures and shapes from studying them so closely. Just the other day I heard botanical art described as problem solving- the more I do, the more I get to know how to solve some of these 'problems', so it is good for the grey matter to be challenged by something a bit different.
I was commisioned to paint some Helleborus, at first glance it seemed straight forward enough but it was only when I started to paint and really started looking, I relised that the leaf structures and vein patternations are quite different from the gum leaves and similar native leaves that I have been used to looking at.
The flowers are delicate with almost translucent petals and there is alot going on in the flower centres.
My neighbour was kind enough to let me snip a leaf specimen from her struggling plant. There wasn't much to chose from, It is very dry in Canberra at the moment.
Work in progress, Hellebore
Helleborus orientalis
I am reminded why in times past I chose to avoid painting white flowers, however I have discovered that problem also has a solution. I just have to keep really looking and keep painting, after all I can't solve a problem if I'm not prepared to try!