Mixed Media on wood, ready to hang.

Signed on the back.

“Come sweet Weaver, rest upon my strong limbs and take me with you when you fly.”

The striking Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as bird of paradise, is originally from South Africa, but here in Australia, they’ve happily settled in and can be found in many gardens, backyards and bordering driveways. And often, they can be found in the middle of those roundabouts, that we circle day in and day out.

Strelitzia have a fascinating pollination system. For this, they need the cooperation of the cape weaver, (or other sunbirds). Weavers, looking to get to the sweet nectar that’s contained in the floral tubes, land on a handy perch, the bright bluish-purple inflorescence. Now they can reach the nectar with their beaks. When they land, their feet force open the inflorescence and as they drink, pollen gathers on their feet. When the weaver flies off to another plant, pollination is complete. In this painting, Strelitzia is being visited by a few weavers – some have flown away. Perhaps sitting in the middle of the roundabout isn’t their favourite place to find food.

The painting is created using a variety of watercolour mediums, including paint and pencils for the flowers. Acrylic paint and other mediums are used with stencils and plastic wrap to produce colours and textures. The above quote is written on an early along with the “roundabout” symbol, which just peeks through. The sides are a neutral grey. The painting is sealed and wax varnished.