STORY BEHIND THE ART OF MARIA ALICE DEREZENDE

15th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at

The Horticultural Society of New York

Acai

Euterpe oleracea

What is your personal view of the artwork, for instance in terms of media, colors, composition?

The watercolor is of a Palm - Euterpe oleracea. I really like to paint Palms. I like the elegance of these plants. But it is not easy to paint because of the big size, and the point of view we have of it looking from the ground. Then I decided to do my composition with this view that I have when I look upwards. 

Why did you choose this subject to portray?

I was doing some work on my project in Amazon forest as part of the Anne Ophelia Dowden Award . Then I decided to paint this palm that is very important in this region of Brazil. The fruit of Euterpe is used in a food "Açaí" and is apreciated in all parts of our country. It is considered an energetic food. 

Did you face any unique challenges as you worked on this piece?

Yes, the difficult point of view choice. 

What would you hope people would notice or appreciate when viewing this work?

I hope they enjoy a little piece of the Amazon and Brazil. 

How does this work relate to your body of work?

I have painted lot of Palms since 2004, but this is really a typical palm from Brazil. 

Anything else!

Being a botanical illustrator requires dedication and persistence, hours of experimentation and failures and moments of joy. When we received the news that we have one work selected for the exhibition it is a moment of pure joy and happiness! It is an incentive to continue painting. Thank you so much.

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