Never having lived in the desert or similar dry places, I didn't understand so much all the fuss about cacti. I mean, I've seen cacti. In pots. Or even growing in a couple of throw- away gardens in these parts. Those cacti looked thumblike, elbowlike, prickly, cartoonish. I've even tried to dig up a cactus, so I know how murderous are their protuberances. THAT won't happen again. It wasn't until I saw a cactus garden at Lotusland, near Santa Barbara, that I understood the vast range and exotic beauty of this species. They are marvelous. At a distance, I mean.
Here's a sketch of part of the Lotusland cactus garden and one of a fountain surrounded by lovely old tiles.
oh, I've always wanted to go to lotusland. I've seen photos. Your watercolors are so lovely, as always.
Southern California's pretty nice, isn't it?
Posted by: Jane LaFazio | April 26, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Cacti have never been a favourite of mine but I think my taste is maturing since I've been drawing and I was inspired by KT's coloured pencil studies. Now I'm actually growing some in the garden.
Gorgeous sketches!
Posted by: Robyn | April 21, 2009 at 06:57 AM
You did it!! Please come post this link on my Cactus Monday Mr Linky.
Now you know why I and so many others love cactus. And it is blooming season here also. Even more beauty!!
Posted by: TeriC | April 20, 2009 at 09:29 PM
Magnifique !! bizzz
Posted by: angelthim - Eliza | April 19, 2009 at 07:01 AM
Great stuff! Lotusland...what a perfect name for a garden shop...that sells cactus? Those cacti in the top sketch look like martian plants. Isn't it wonderful, the abundance of shapes and sizes and textures of cacti?
Posted by: Jana Bouc | April 19, 2009 at 03:07 AM
Ah... leave it to Laura to go to the desert and find water!
;-D and just wait until Teri hears about your new fondness for cacti!
Posted by: Linda M. | April 18, 2009 at 10:09 PM