
Day 25 Of The 30-Day Creative Gathering

This strange plant looks like it was brought here from the forbidden plant. It is a type of agave. Some are called century plants because it takes them nearly 40 years to bloom. Once they do, the plant begins to die. The leaves at the base often form a perfectly round “ball” shape. As the flower stalk grows, the leaves start to wither and fade, laying down like stacked papers. The stalk uses nutrition from the leaves.
The plants often develope little “pups”, offshoots around the base as well. The bloom stalk can grow as tall as 30 feet. Some agave have clumps of yellow flowers. A tasty treat for hummingbirds and bees. I can’t help finding them fascinating.
From one extreme to another. Day 21 was too light. Day 22 is too dark. Tomorrow’s piece oughta be just right. This is a totem pole cactus. They are lumpy and bumpy. They are smooth, no spines. I simplified the shapes. I may go back and add a few shadows to indicate lumps. I might also wash out some of the heavy colors in today’s background. It does remind me of the intense desert heat. I guess I should call it a work in progress. Opinions are always welcome. 🙂
I revised Yesterday’s painting. I like it much better now.