Authentic and original store illustration titled, “Abstract Spring Flora and Fauna,” part 8.

This is an authentic and original illustration titled, “Abstract Spring Flora and Fauna,” part 8. You are viewing a complete, colorful, detailed and textured painting of a well known popular perennial species, the Bearded Iris Rhizome Heirloom Plant. This is a continuum of the artist (myself) current seasonal series dedicated exclusively to a plethora of local garden species recently sighted while enjoying routine outdoor excursions and quality time in Bethesda, Maryland. Due to the fact that everything Iv'e been illustrating in this series has been Abstract, with intentional visual exaggerations, “outside the box,” thinking and translation, I simultaneously write each piece with comprehensive narrative to better acclimate the readers and viewers a chance to interpret how a flower is not really just a flower. For over a decade, having a longtime career in mental health, dementia care and psychotherapy, my intentions are to help visually guide and emotionally assist visitors the opportunity to understand how I work, think and mastered at “enhancing the quality of life of others and their individualized needs.” The abstract theme of my current series, maintains the momentum of my narrative, guiding viewers a chance to easily interpret it similar in appearance to a “tropical bird.” Obviously the dominant feature is the centralized purple flower, surrounded by an abundance of thick lush healthy grasses and backed by a darker bark tree and white skyline. Phase one was the initial graphite sketch. On quality mixed media, I sketched the dominant feature first prior to the other elements within. If you carefully study this colorful painting, and provide yourself enough time to analyze the details in pursuit of other “hidden components,” you may very well discover the floral features of the iris actually have blooms and petals that resemble “feathered plumes,” of a bird with an abstract large eye and bill. Any abstract work I do, is always with intent to educate readers and viewers a chance to see the very same visuals. Phase two was the infusion of colored pencil. With green store, yellow purple, brown, black, white, orange, yellow, black, modest amounts of blue, I blended and shaded in over the initial graphite sketch. This phase always helps visually guide my focus on transforming the sketch into a complete painting. With any abstracts or other work Ive been doing for years, It's always been essential to emphasize depth perception and accuracy as seen in “real time.” Some are more complex and busy in appearance to others, and it's refreshing to maintain a variety of illustrations in my collection. Phase three was the implementation of acrylic paint. With the same colors used as in phase two and small fine brushes, I painted over phase two. The application of thicker amounts of paint over several areas (including the abstract flower) grasses, and background, I enjoyed layering textures overall enhancing the colorful addition to my series. Upon completion I sprayed it with clear acrylic sealant to prevent any damage or “bleeding of the colors.” The authentic and original illustration is available for purchase in print. This would make for an ideal housewarming gift or simply be a nice addition to an existing collection. Please enjoy. Jessica Ahmadi