Growing up we had a beautiful jade plant that my dad took care of. When he died it fell to the rest of us to take care of the poor plant. It had a slow but steady decline until eventually all the little leaves dropped off. My mom got rid of it at some point as it was a bit depressing seeing it in such a state.

After yesterday’s orchid I decided I wanted to do a few pastels of various potted plants. I’m thinking rubber tree or snake plants next. I am picking plants that I grew up with since I don’t actually have any pictures for what I’m thinking for my art. Rather than go out and buy plants I’ll likely kill, I am painting more from memory and the feeling I have of these plants.

I used watercolor paper again tonight, but went up to my 11×14 size. I’m still liking it. Although I notice that adding white on top for highlights doesn’t work as well without the sanded paper.

What plants do you associate with your childhood?