STORY BEHIND THE ART OF NATALIA ZUEVA

21st Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at Wave Hill

Strelitzia reginae. Remembering Uccello

Strelitzia reginae

When I became interested in botanical painting several years ago, I noticed that Strelitzia is a poplar subject for painting. This is a rare plant for me and I could only enjoy it in the botanical garden or flower shops. I read about this plant a lot after I chose it for my work. It struck me why it was called "royal" and "bird of paradise." The similarity of the flower with a bird's head is quite noticeable. Understanding why the plant is characterized as "royal" came in the process of my work. This plant amazed me with its splendor and dignity, so like the royal lily. In order to emphasize the dignity of the flower, I composed it on the paper in a calm, strict, formal profile.

I have not used many colors in my work. My palette was limited. Combining the techniques of wet-on-wet and dry brush, I tried to convey the contrast in textures: the roughness of the greens and the smoothness of the sepals. I knew that the orange colors, as well as the yellow ones, were difficult to paint to convey the colors' depth. When I finished my work on the sepals, I could not get rid of the feeling that they looked unnatural, that their colors looked like bright plastic. I began reading some notes by contemporary artists and consulted colleagues. In order to find the solution, I looked for the answer in books on the masters.

I decided to complicate my orange color with violet and blue hues after making the preliminary mixes. The result was a real breakthrough for me. Instantly, my work changed. I got that feeling of depth, which I previously lacked, and was subconsciously searching for. The orange sepals, the arrows, lost their artificial hue, and suddenly reminded me of the triptych by Uccello, the master of the Renaissance, entitled "The Battle of San Romano." Uccello painted a multi-figure composition of horsemen with spears. In this work by the great artist, the spears created their own artistic rhythm and dynamic. Finally I found the rhythm of complex hues of orange and violet "spears” in my newly transformed work. I am still overwhelmed by a breathtaking feeling when I remember my “ discovery.”

I continue to study botanical painting. The results and experience I gained while working on this Strelitzia, described in this small story, have given me a guideline for my future work.

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