Zygopetalum Hybrid
About the Artwork
This work was created for the exhibition of the Society of Botanical Art Germany (VBKD) as part of the World Orchid Conference 2026 in Dresden.
The painting is based on the close study of a living plant. Over several months, I observed its development — how the buds opened, how the flowers turned and gradually lowered, how the lip unfolded, and how the blooms eventually faded. I documented this process through drawings, colour studies, and notes, while the composition evolved over an extended period of refinement.
The final work was executed in watercolour using multiple transparent glazes. I used very fine brushes alongside techniques like line work, stippling, and dry brush to capture both the structure and the subtle surface qualities of the plant.
The painting was selected for the exhibition by two independent juries and received a Certificate of Merit, 3rd Place for Plant Identification.
Botanical Details
Zygopetalum orchids are prized for their intense fragrance and striking colour contrasts — deep purples and greens with intricate lip patterns that guide pollinators with precision.
- Species: Zygopetalum Hybrid
- Common Name: Zygopetalum
- Origin: Tropical South America (Brazil, Peru, Bolivia)
- Blooming Period: Autumn to Spring
- Fragrance: Strong, sweet, often compared to hyacinth
Award Details
- Award: Certificate of Merit, 3rd Place, Plant Identification
- Event: 24th World Orchid Conference, Dresden
- Exhibition: Society of Botanical Art Germany (VBKD) — 50 artists, 7 countries
- Jury: Two independent panels of botanists and artists
- Date: March 2026
Pigments Used
PY175
Lemon Yellow
The coolest yellow in the palette. Transparent, non-staining, and perfectly lightfast.
PY129
Rich Green Gold
A yellow-green that creates the most natural, convincing greens when combined with any blue.
PR254
Scarlet Red
A vivid, warm red — semi-transparent but remarkably intense.
PV19
Quinacridone Rose
A cool, clean rose that mixes beautifully in every direction. Transparent and absolutely lightfast.
PR122
Purple Magenta
Deeper and cooler than Quinacridone Rose — right between red and violet. For the darkest pinks and rich, clean purples.
PB29
Ultramarine Finest
A historic blue with a subtle violet undertone and beautiful granulating texture.
PB60
Indanthrone Blue
The deepest, most serious blue in the palette. A dark, near-black blue with a subtle red undertone.
PB15
Manganese Blue Hue
A bright, clean cyan — the coolest blue in the palette. Non-granulating and perfectly transparent.
PBr25
Permanent Brown
A rich, warm brown with excellent mixing properties and full lightfastness.
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Artwork Details
A handwritten certificate of authenticity is included, along with the original Certificate of Merit from the 24th World Orchid Conference 2026.
My Signature Palette
