About the Artist

A self-taught artist, Lotus McElfish is one of the growing community of artists who are dedicated to the contemporary renaissance of botanical art, updating a historically significant art form which once played a vital role in documenting the discoveries of the New World. In 2005 she was awarded a grant by the ASBA (American Society of Botanical Artists) that led her on a marvelous journey of documenting

Rare and Endangered Plants and today she engages people with her art for conservation purposes. The grant had two main aspects: educating the general public about the existence and conservation of these plants, and collaboration with concerned organizations by doing fundraising with sales and exhibits of the artwork. She shares her adventurous journey of finding and creating these plant portraits and shows appreciation for the people behind saving these plants with a public talk and slide show. In September 2006 she was the keynote speaker at the Texas Plant Conservation Conference where her paintings were first unveiled and then shown at the annual meeting of the Native Plant Society of Texas in San Antonio. Later in October 2006 she presented at the annual meeting of the ASBA in Seattle where she was awarded her grant.

Artist Statement

She passionately loves the beauty and scientific complexity of the many wildflowers that bloom here in the Texas Hill Country. But, with sadness she reveals that due to the rapid population growth and land development, we continue to encroach on the natural habitat of these amazing plants. "We are approaching a crisis on earth because of how we have past engaged with the land compounded by our poor management of natural resources. I'm not sure what would be the ramifications if more plants go extinct but we need to change this engagement to make a difference. I love combining my art with conservation awareness and bring to the fore the people who are trying to make that difference." Continuing this work in 2007 she painted the rare Bracted Twistflower and many delicate less-known wildflowers which culminated in a solo gallery showing in Austin, Texas.

Technique

The medium of graphite is her main love; after first documenting each plant specimen with location, date, specifications of growth and identification, she will often do a detailed pencil sketch. A photo may also be added to archive the plant’s information. In the completed plant portrait there are two dominant techniques used in her watercolors- glazing and fracturing, and if possible she works from a live specimen in her studio or on location to better capture the movement, color and the minute details. "Even the simpliest plant unveils a complexity that still to this day astonishes me. I want scientific accuracy, but I also want the viewer to see the magic of its existence." Her renderings of a plant not only reproduce the reality of the plant in structure and form, but illuminate the grace, textures and details that both educate and captivate the viewer. "I'm not afraid to show the imperfections such as a caterpillar-eaten leaf and I will include the roots when possible because this is a detail that is hidden in the earth and shows that the plant is grounded to something larger."

Exhibitions

One Person Shows

◆Adams Ave Gallery; Adams Ave, Austin TX 2007

Juried Exhibitions

◆”Lasting Impressions” Canyon Lake Art Guild Annual Show, 2nd Place Watercolor 3/08

◆“Endangered Species: Flora and Fauna in Peril” National Touring Exhibition:

-Wildling Art Museum, Los Olivos, CA (Jun 22 - Sep 14, 2008)

-Department of the Interior Museum, Washington, D.C. (Nov 1, 2008 - Feb 28, 2009)

-The Wildlife Experience, Parker, CO (May 9 - Jul 12, 2009)

◆Wimberley Valley Art League, Wimberley Community Center,

Wimberley, TX Dec. 2007-Jan. 2008

◆"Currents"; Rockport Center for the Arts; Rockport, TX 2007