I was interested in taking a Botanical Illustration course for a while. So I signed up for a course about a year ago and then had to cancel my registration because my father’s health was not good. It was a good decision because his health was gradually declining and I got to spend some quality time with him. 

A few months later, The Center of Botanical Illustration of Paraná CIBP posted a course where people would take a drawing test and the selected ones would take a year-long course for free. They would even give the materials for free! So I registered, showed up, and chose something to draw, a Pachystachys lutea. There were leaves to pick, but I chose the flower, as I like a little challenge 🙂

The test took 2 hours. Time flew!
As I was walking out of the room, under a very bright sunny day at the Botanical Garden, I read my family group text messages. My father had passed.  

I couldn’t believe what I read. I went home, packed, canceled any other commitments that week, and my husband and I drove to my parent’s hometown.

The Botanical Illustration course started a few weeks later. I never knew it was going to help me so much, not only to hone my artistic abilities. But also to keep my mind and heart light during such intense grief. To keep my eyes, hands, and mind focused on life and beauty.  

Above are the first practice drawings I made. And below is a study of a dried leaf. Which later I practiced with watercolor. Having so much experience with oil paint and really none with watercolor, it has been quite a challenge. People might not realize, but oil and watercolor are COMPLETELY different. I’d say is as different as cooking Italian and Japanese food.