Chromatic Succulents #1

Sustained, direct sunlight can transform succulents into a vibrant, unexpected spectrum of colors. These moonstones, with their peculiar, bulbous leaves, prompt the question, "what exactly am I looking at?" I aimed to capture that "alien" presence contained within a familiar, grounded setting. The main palette is a variation on primaries, depicting the pronounced colors of the actual plant in the height of summer. The colors of the central plant progress from pale yellows and greens to deeper pinks and teals, representing the plant’s progression of growth. As the plump, round leaves weigh the stems down, they create a playful cascade that contrasts with the dark shapes of the surrounding environment. Focusing on the subject on a macro scale shifts the composition to an intimate portrait, inviting the viewer to appreciate the plant’s unique form. The piece is alive with individual amorphous shapes, encouraging the eye to move constantly around the arrangement. Yet the palette creates a serene peace, allowing the audience the opportunity to scrutinize how colors imply forms, where shapes are alluded to rather than strictly defined.  As the anchor for the series¸ this jewel of my backyard garden proves to be a gem when translated to canvas as well.