STORY BEHIND THE ART OF MITSUKO SCHULTZ

22nd Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at Marin Art & Garden Center

Samba Dancer Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Samba Dancer'

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, commonly called Chinese or tropical hibiscus, but also known as China rose, is widely planted throughout the tropics and sub tropics. In Southern California, where I live, this hibiscus shrub is planted everywhere and can easily been seen in parks, public spaces and private gardens.

However, this hibiscus cultivar ‘Samba Dancer’ is not commonly planted and I was lucky to be able to paint it. A few years ago, I had a chance to visit the garden of a member of the Southern California Hibiscus Society. He had numerous examples of rare exotic tropical hibiscus and many of them had unusual colors and huge flowers. This was my first time to see them, so I was very excited. All of them are so beautiful and unique but I specially liked the Samba Dancer hibiscus because of its double petals and cheerful orange colors.

The garden owner kindly let me paint it. Unlike the potted hibiscus on my balcony, his hibiscuses were pretty big on the ground so I could see how they naturally grow. I painted this hibiscus as it appeared in this natural garden setting. I usually paint watercolor in layers of different colors rather than mixing colors, except for greens. I do mix greens but I also will layer different colors under and on top of my mixed greens. I do some washes but I mainly paint dry brush.

Since then I have continued to paint other hibiscus and I will continue doing so for the foreseeable future.

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Read more about this artist’s work: 21st Annual