STORY BEHIND THE ART OF CONSTANCE SCANLON

23rd Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at Wave Hill

Crabapples x 6 #2

Malus sp.

This painting is from a neighborhood crabapple tree that has always captured my attention through the seasons on frequent dog walks around the block.

Some viewers might assume that the title suggests having painted this subject twice, however that is not the case. Having not been selected last year, I found that rejection can encourage personal growth and renewed dedication to the art. The experience taught me how to regain lost confidence and just ‘give it another whirl’. It is titled Crabapples x 6 Redux because of this second submission, (and also because one of the leaves was tweaked just enough to warrant full disclosure).

These crabapples, or those blueberries, or whatever makes my fingers tingle and come alive, that is what makes me lose myself in time, and experience the wonder and magic of art. Painting the crabapples the size of big snowballs allowed me to capture the rainbow range of reds in them. The incredible coolest hues of deep magenta are equal in beauty to the hints of sun- kissed warmest reds. I prefer any leaf that has been nibbled and aging, thus showing personality, rather than a more perfect form. The different stages of disintegration captivated and challenged my every level of skill and interest. It is an honor that it was selected on this “redux.”

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