Floral Painting of Anthurium, Anthurium Red I, by Canadian Artist Kim Blair

Anthurium Red I
11x14 oil on canvas

When I was a floral designer a number of years ago, we would order a shipment of 'exotics' from Hawaii.   The box arrived looking very small for the amount of product that was packed inside.  But the growers new just how to wrap and pack their exotic blooms so that they arrived in perfect condition.
  
Anthurium originated in South America and are members of the Arum family and are cousins to jack-in-the pulpit, calla lilies and  split-leafed philodendron plants.  They were introduced to Hawaii in 1889 by Samuel M. Damon and flourished in the year round warmth and high humidity.  Anthurium enjoy being misted  with water when you have them as cut flowers or as a plant in your home, especially if you live in a dry climate... hello Alberta!

The part of the plant we think of as the flower (like the poinsettia) is really brilliantly colored heart shaped thick, waxy bracts; while the true flower is the whitish, green/yellow spathe in the center of each bract.  Of course its name comes from the Latin word, 'anthos', meaming flower and 'oura', meaning tail.

These sleek exotic blooms make an artful statement in a modern office or home... whether in a vase, planted in a pot, or dare I say... on a wall.

$200.00, 11x14 oil on gallery profile canvas