Sunday, December 18, 2011

Cereus - Night Blooming Cactus

"Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity." - John Ruskin



The Cereus or night-blooming cactus is a vineing cactus that grows in several parts of the world.  The flowers are rather large and quite beautiful , and the pitaya or dragon fruit (strawberry pear) is produced from this plant.   There is one main area on Oahu where I take reference photographs of it every July.  I leave early in the morning and try to arrive there about 6 in the morning, because by 10 a.m. or so the flowers have begun to fade from the sun.   

This close-up shot reveals raindrops on the petals and gives an excellent view of the center detail of the blossom.   Below is a recent painting of mine completed from a reference photo.


"Serious About Cereus"
12" x 12" Oil on canvas

Thank you for visiting today !

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