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The Sunflower Family
The Sunflower Family Asteraceae Fun Fact: The Sunflower Family is the largest family of flowering plants with over 30,000 individual species. Plants in the Sunflower Family share these traits: -Composite Flowerheads (center disk female flowers, florets that develop into seeds) –Outer large petals, called ligulate or ray florets, that house male ray flowers often are … Continued
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The Gourd Family
The Gourd Family Cucurbitaceae Fun Fact: Beyond food, dried gourds were essential for bowls, instruments, and water storage by ancient civilizations. They were used as currency in Haiti in the early 1800s, and the country’s currency is still called a “gourde.” Plants in the Gourd Family share these traits: -Vining plants with tendrils –Unisexual flowers … Continued
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The Magnolia Family
The Magnolia Family Magnoliaceae 25+ years ago, I was new to botanical illustration and studying at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) when I discovered the beautiful and unusual flowers of the Tulip Tree that took my breath away. Tulip Tree and Magnolia seed pods are also fascinating! (If you’ve ever seen Dick Raugh’s large … Continued
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The Pea Family
The Pea Family Fabaceae Fun Fact: Peas are considered one of the oldest cultivated crops, with archaeological evidence of their domestication dating back to the late Neolithic period. Plants in the Pea Family share these traits: -Flowers have “Banner, wings, and keel” –Pea-like pods, often with pinnate leaves Learn more about the Pea Family Pea … Continued
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The Cashew Family
The Cashew Family Anacardiaceae Fun Fact: Cashew shells are covered by urushiol, the same toxic oil found in poison ivy. Post-harvest, the cashews are always roasted, boiled, or steamed before the shells are removed. Plants in the Cashew Family share these traits: -Flowers often with 5 petals and sepals -Pinnate and alternate leaves -Irritant oils … Continued
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The Onion Family
The Onion Family Alliaceae, sub family of Liliaceae After foraging for ramps near a rail trail in High Falls in May 2021, I read a NYTimes article aptly titled Know Your Onions (+ Shallots + Leeks + Ramps) by Melissa Clark. This inspired me to start a large composition of the Allium family, starting with … Continued
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The Rose Family
The Rose Family Rosaceae Fun Fact: Roses possess significant medicinal properties, offering anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidepressant effects derived from their petals, hips, and oil. For free tips on how to draw a rose, click here. Plants in the Rose Family share these traits: Flowers Separate petals in multiples … Continued
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Mushrooms of New York 1 (April thru August 2023)
Mushrooms of New York (April thru August 2023) Fungi Kingdom I had a great time exploring mushrooms this year! Not so much for eating, but to start to learn about them and to draw them. Spoiler Alert: Mushrooms are FASCINATING. I discovered that developing Amanitas remind me of Russian nesting dolls. … Continued
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The Tulip Family
The Tulip Family Tulipa, sub family of Liliacea Tulips have always reminded me of my mom because she was so proud of the tulips growing in her garden each year. I almost titled my first book How to Draw a Tulip (instead of Botanical Drawing: A Beginner’s Guide) because I … Continued
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The Mustard Family
The Mustard Family Brassicaceae Fun Fact: All of the plants in this composition are edible! Taste testing is definitely part of the fun. The colors in this family really delight me. Plants in the Mustard Family share these traits: Flowers 4 petals and 4 sepals 6 stamens (4 tall and 2 short) … Continued
