Jewel Orchid

Monica's collector is building a plant sleeve and asked for jewel orchids specifically, not the common moth orchid. Monica opens the blooms across the shoulder cap where the arm is widest, then runs the veined leaves down the outer arm so the design flows with the limb instead of sitting flat on it. She works the petals in deep purple and magenta and keeps the foliage dark, which lets the flowers carry the light. The collector traveled in from Chicago for this one, and it has taken three sessions so far. By Monica Snyder.

By Monica Snyder at Eden Body Art Studios.

Styles: Realism.