The start of the new year feels like the right time to both introduce a new(ish) project and resume what will hopefully be a consistent blogging season once again. In the back of my brain I've wanted to hop back on the blogging train once more, but it seemed that there was enough going on that it became just another thing to do (not to mention that my camera broke on me and started a series of events that I will go into much more detail about on another day...). So to begin, an introduction to a painting series called...

Flower of the Week! I've been following the work of fellow botanical artist, Ron Nicole, for a while now. Although she works in a different medium than I, her dedication to exploring plants has been so inspiring to see from afar. She creates her art in plaster, working to preserve the details of live plants by producing both small and large artifacts of beauty. She has been doing a project under the name, Flower of the Week (which you can find on her site). I approached her and asked if it would be alright for me to borrow the name for my own plant study project. She enthusiastically agreed and we both liked the idea of it becoming a community building project as well.

For me, the basis of the project will be to explore a new plant each week through the studying of its practical uses along with the aesthetic qualities and unique details that each plant holds. I hope to create a small series of watercolour botanical studies that will reflect my learnings. These studies of different sizes will become available for you to purchase right here on my site! 

Week 1: Hawthorn

Allow me to share the first plant of the project- Hawthorn. As it is mid-January, it seemed fitting to focus on the berries, rather than the flowers that this plant produces. Hawthorn varieties are native to much of North America, but the varieties native to Saskatchewan are Fleshy Hawthorn (crataegus succelenta) & Black Hawthorn (crataegus douglasii). (Note: Because this plant is an endangered species in SK, it is not recommended that it be picked or disturbed, should you come across some!) 

Hawthorn is a relative of the Rose (rosacea) family and shares many of the same characteristics. The leaves, flowers and fruit have been used as medicine and food for centuries and are most often connected to the healing of the heart. They may also be used as a nervine or anti-inflammatory.

Head on over to the shop to see the pieces that I've created and maybe nab one for your own! They will all be sent unframed, with instructions for framing so that you can choose a frame size and colour that suits your home. If you are interested in seeing more of the project on Instagram or taking part yourself, head over to Ronni's Instagram or my Instagram . (There will also soon be a hashtag that you can follow and join in on).

Today, the sun is streaming into my window, the sounds of Louis Armstrong and the Hot Five in the air and I'm dreaming of lazy summer days. Most often, when I start dreaming, I'm inspired to paint so this is what sits on my desk today. A simple floral design that's almost done being painted and then it'll be scanned for some post-painting production. Any guesses as to what it'll be? Hint: We had Louis Armstrong and other 30's jazz playing at our backyard wedding reception :)

I've also been updating my site lately and have done a bunch of work on my portfolio page! Just trying to simplify things a little Check it out under the "work" tab or follow the link here! Hope you all are having a cheerful and sunny Thursday. 

A couple of months ago, I was approached by Brita of B.Britnell food blog, asking if I ever would create detail paintings for a blog. I was more than thrilled because this is exactly the type of thing I would love to be able to do more of! Brita has a lovely blog with some delicious looking recipes and it was SO fun to make these details for her. I would even go so far as to say it may be one of my favourite commissions yet. So keep this in mind all you readers with a blog...I'm looking to do more! Brita wanted simple designs and to keep in line with the feel of her blog, I decided to paint them quite colourful and bright. If you're feeling adventurous, head on over to her site and see if you can find them- it's like a game of Where's Waldo! But while you're there, be sure to also take a look at her tasty treats- I know my mouth was drooling over a few. And below you'll find a process shot along with the finished products:

If you are looking for a way to spruce up your internet space by adding small details or a new header, I would love, love, LOVE to create something for you. Especially to expand my skills in that area. If this interests you, please do send me a line at jenni.haikonen8@gmail.com!