Story behind the art of Antoaneta Denkin
Botanical Art Worldwide 2025-A More Abundant Future:
Diversity in Garden, Farm, and Field
American Society of Botanical Artists at the Foundry Art Centre, St. Charles, MO
Meyer Lemon
Citrus x meyeri
This artwork “Meyer lemon” is special to me.
In 2023, I found the lemon in San Francisco when I went to see the ASBA 26th Annual International exhibition at Marin Art and Garden Center. I stayed with relatives who have a garden with a big lemon tree. When they bought their house, the garden contained a pomelo tree. Later, a neighbor grafted Meyer lemon branches on to this tree.
I have always wanted to paint a lemon. Citrus fruits are unusual for me to see growing in neighborhoods. I was born in Bulgaria and only ever saw lemons in the store. In shops, lemons have no leaves. But now, I was able to find a lemon with leaves and even choose it from a tree. This was a dream come true! I could select my own unique beauty.
The scientific name of Meyer lemon is Citrus x meyeri. The species is native to China. Frank Meyer introduced it to the US in 1908. According to a description given by the Missouri Botanical Garden, Meyer lemon is a hybrid between Citrus limon (lemon) and Citrus reticulata (mandarin orange). Meyer lemon is less acidic than other lemons. It even tastes rather sweet. The skin is soft and luxurious.
I brought my lemon home to Pennsylvania and took photos and made drawings and waited a little for the lemon to develop more character on the skin and leaves.
My painting is done on Arches Hot Press paper. I work using a wet on wet technique and at the end I build up thin layers gradually, glazing to build up the depth and volume of the objects. My paints are mostly from Daniel Smith because I love their luminosity and the variety of colors. My brushes are synthetics because they have sharp points.
Some of the leaves of the lemon are curled. I waited for this to happen so I could have more volume in my depiction. I especially enjoyed painting the lemon itself with the luminosity of its skin and the subtle changes in the colors. Painting rounded or curved subjects is one of my favorite things to do – I create space, volume, and depth with colors.
My Meyer lemon has a history behind it that I treasure.
Next Story
Back to List
Read more about this artist's work: 27th Annual