STORY BEHIND THE ART OF AKIKO ENOKIDO

19th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists & The Horticultural Society of New York

Hakuho White phoenix

Camellia japonica

I was always fond of the Camellia for its uniquely textured leaves. When I discovered vellum in the United States and tried painting the leaves of the Camellia, I noticed that vellum was the perfect medium for me to express the thickness and shiny surface of the leaves. When I moved back to Japan four years ago, I was pleasantly shocked by the wide variety of Camellia japonica accessible to me. I decided to select the subjects that had the longest history in Japan. "White Phoenix" first appeared in the Japanese Nursery catalog in 1936.

I picked up one branch and was surprised at how heavy it was. I wanted to draw the contrast of the white flower and rich dark green leaves, so I sketched all the leaves behind the white flower. The flowers are very much like a peony with frilled petals growing up to 4 inches.

I used white gouache on the white petals, because this vellum already has a creamy color on its own. By doing this, the white flower pops out against the rich dark color of the leaves. 

I found this White Phoenix Camellia in Osaka Hattori Botanical Park. During blooming season, I drove every week to several botanic gardens in my area. Every year between January and April, I have been observing each species of Camellia blooming one after another. At each Camellia garden, there are volunteers taking care of the plants with utmost care. My work wouldn't have been possible without their diligent care. Some of the subjects I painted are very delicate plants and hard to maintain. For 300 years these plants have been protected with the help of attentive care. I hope they will be protected for the next 300 years and more. 

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Read more about this artist’s work: 18th Annual International