STORY BEHIND THE ART OF HEATHER GROSS
22nd Annual International
American Society of Botanical Artists at Marin Art & Garden Center
Cocoa Motto Kitty
Paphiopedilum ‘Cocoa Motto Kitty’
In the midst of snow and bitterly cold temperatures, I ventured out to browse and ward off the doldrums of winter in the warmth and colour drenched greenhouses of a nearby garden centre. Knowing nothing about orchids, I spotted this Paphiopedilum ‘Cocoa Motto Kitty’. As I was mulling over my decision to purchase, another shopper commented on how lovely this particular orchid was and how healthy it appeared. We began chatting. I shared with her my intent to use this orchid as a subject for botanical painting – hence, I would have to be able to keep it alive and well! She assured me that I’d do ‘just fine’ and encouraged me to consider becoming a member of the Orchid Society at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario. My winter ‘botanical fix’ led to the purchase of this beautiful orchid and to my becoming a member of the RBG Orchid Society, too!
This ‘slipper orchid’, with its large sturdy flower boasting a distinctive pouch, captured my attention immediately. The multitude of hairs, the incredible individual flower components, the intense, rich colours and waxy shine confirmed that it would challenge me as an artist. Its history and care, at the time of purchase, were a mystery!
I love to research my botanical subjects thoroughly before I begin my art. Researching this orchid, I contacted the grower and found that it was registered with the Royal Horticultural Society in 2013; it is a cross between Paphiopedilum Enzan Motto (2008) and Paphiopedilum Enzan Kitty (2008). Its ancestry identifies 183 ‘family members’ dating back to 1888!
The Royal Botanic Garden Annual Orchid Show and Sale in Ontario, in late February, gave me yet another opportunity to explore this plant genus. First-hand I witnessed the overwhelming number of orchid enthusiasts…I had no idea! I also began to appreciate the vast variety of orchids available to the novice and avid collector alike! So many beautiful and enticing flowers to see, enjoy and purchase. My Cocoa Kitty Motto, held my attention throughout this experience and I knew that it was begging to be painted! Thus, motivated I finally set to work.
In setting up my composition, I wanted to achieve flow and movement throughout my painting. I love the bold, ‘look at me’ orchid flowers, which appear to be in conversation with each other…bragging or showing off a bit, no doubt! The fuzzy roots were a surprise to me when I uprooted my plant, and I felt that they, too, deserved to be shared in the composition.
My wish is that my portrait of Cocoa Motto Kitty has honoured this orchid and the joy it has brought me. I hope that those just discovering the world of orchids, like myself, are inspired to learn more and that orchid enthusiasts come away with a renewed appreciation of the intoxicating allure of this delicate yet bold flower. I’m happy to report that my repotted Paphiopedilum, is to this day alive and well! Could I be so lucky as to see another flower in the future? What an absolute thrill & delight that would be!
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