I have not painted many exotic (non-Australian native) plants. You get so used to creating certain textures and shapes from studying them so closely. Just the other day I heard botanical art described as problem solving-  the more I do, the more I get to know how to solve some of these 'problems', so it is good for the grey matter to be challenged by something a bit different.

I was commisioned to paint some Helleborus, at first glance it seemed straight forward enough but it was only when I started to paint and really started looking, I relised that the leaf structures and vein patternations are quite different from the gum leaves and similar native leaves that I have been used to looking at.

The flowers are delicate with almost translucent petals and there is alot going on in the flower centres.

I am reminded why in times past I chose to avoid painting white flowers, however I have discovered that problem also has a solution. I just have to keep really looking and keep painting, after all I can't solve a problem if I'm not prepared to try!