STORY BEHIND THE ART OF CARRIE DI COSTANZO

16th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and the Horticultural Society of New York

Jeffrey Pine

Pinus jefreyi

This painting was originally executed for the 2012 Conservation Conference of the California Native Plant Society. Since the Jeffrey Pine is native to California and since I was attracted to its color, texture and shape, this was the perfect opportunity to paint this subject matter. I had been eager to paint a pinecone and branch for quite awhile. 

The composition is key in this painting. I emphasized the curve of the branch to show movement in the piece. The pinecone sits alongside the branch. It is my intention that this composition will move the viewer’s eye from branch to pinecone and back again. And I hope that the viewer will appreciate the detail in the pine needles, the rough texture of the

branch itself, and the rich tones of the pinecone.

I painted the piece in gouache, which is my favorite medium because it allows me to achieve both translucent and opaque effects.

The most challenging aspect of this painting was the accurate depiction of the pine needles. I wanted to show how the needles overlap one another, as well as the fact that there are so many of them. Painting the needles is time consuming, but well worth the effort. As well, I think the placement of the needles adds to the movement of the painting.

The Jeffrey Pine inspired me to paint a series of pine trees and has given me a greater appreciation for these majestic beauties.

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