STORY BEHIND THE ART OF ASUKA HISHIKI

24th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art and Garden Center

Madama Butterfly Portrait of an Heirloom tomato

Solanum lycopersicum 'New Zealand Pink Pear'

Madama Butterfly is an artwork I created for the ASBA’s Botanical Art Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide.

Years ago I was asked to participate in the book project and share my process of creation. The idea sounded fantastic since it would cover so many techniques from so many good artists. The book would be something like being in an art school studio for the readers. As it was written, we experienced artists always shared information and helped each other.

It was such an exciting idea but writing a convincing process description is a different story. Teaching is not in my blood, because often I am not conscious about what I am doing while I am painting. Also, I do not have any specific order or method to my work. If I see a tomato, for example, which I wish to capture, I start painting without thinking. Of course, I am thinking something, but not particularly in words known to humanity. When I hear teachers explain their skills, methods, materials or history, I simply admire their ability. 

So, what should I do for my section for the book?

I decided to work on a tomato, my favorite subject, and, as if creating a motion picture, I took a photo every morning. Then later, I made some comments on each image to see if that made sense to me. The first attempt was not successful. It was not a technique process, but more like a daily record. With the failure, I reviewed all my processes and re-organized them, asking myself questions like, why does it need Chinese white here? Or why am I repeating the same process again and again here? Actually, it was an eye-opening study. My normal reaction to how to paint is the “on the go” basis, but now I needed to show cool planning and clear method.

Now, my second attempt began.

In our backyard, one particular tomato was growing nicely, getting pinker in a very attractive manner. I picked the tomato as my partner for the book. We would go out together on this long journey of new adventure! Oh, I know I was exaggerating and being unnecessarily melodramatic.

But, off we went.

The process was very smooth because I planned well. Underpainting on tracing paper, thinking of composition, tracing the shape to the paper…. Me, tomato, paper and paint…we were doing the usual dance. Instead of taking photos every morning, I only took photos when it made sense.

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Read more about this artist's work: Abundant Future