Story behind the art of Linda Powers
26th Annual International
American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art and Garden Center
Small White Lady's Slippers
Cypripedium candidum
Finding the elusive small white lady’s slipper growing wild in the prairie lands of Minnesota leads you on a joyous adventure. It starts with combing through books, online resources, and herbarium cabinets, then talking with several research experts and friends, tracking sightings, and at last, catching the correct moment of blooms. If the stars align properly, you find yourself at the right place at the right time.
I was able to document a population growing at a Nature Conservancy reserve in west central Minnesota, several miles from my home. Once a common species before the advent of large-scale agriculture, Cypripedium candidum is listed as of Special Concern and found mainly in small, protected sites.
Smaller than the tall grasses surrounding them, these little gems of the prairie are easily hidden until the sunlight highlights one, then another, then more and more. It was an exciting find!
Because of the plant’s special status, I needed to create sketches and color studies in the field. That work plus dozens of detailed photographs decorated my studio as the final painting came to life.
What a rewarding journey!
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Read more about this artist’s work: Abundant Future