STORY BEHIND THE ART OF MITSUKO SCHULTZ

Botanical Art Worldwide: America's Flora

California Sycamore

Platanus racemosa

Platanus racemosa is native to California and Baja California. Its common names are California sycamore, western sycamore, California plane and aliso. This deciduous tree can grow large, up to 35 meters, but is commonly 20-25 meters in height. Palmately lobed leaves may be up to 25 centimeters. It grows along streams, floodplains and in canyons. It is planted in parks, botanical gardens and along streets. When established it is drought tolerant. It is also a food plant for several bird species.

I live in Southern California and Platanus racemosa are planted near my home as street trees I like that these trees have unique shapes and that they look like they are dancing, especially when they loose leaves. I also particularly like the leaves in fall with their changing colors from green to yellow, orange and brown. That is why I chose this plant to paint. This is my fourth in a series of paintings of Platanus racemosa.

I used 300 lb. paper and a variety of brands of watercolors and various British and Japanese brushes.

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Read more about this artist’s work: Out of the Woods