“ ‘PURPLE’ EGGPLANT” (5 x 11 in.)

This particular painting has drawn some controversy. Some people have said that they have never seen this color in an eggplant. I then have to point out that there are numerous types and that they vary in color. This variety attracted my attention because it was different. The fruit’s surface was waxy and very reflective so light was coming from different sources. The colorful stem added extra color and texture. After doing the painting, I came back into the image and did fine line ink work. Having the eggplant on a white piece of paper against a green surface also gave the painting a little more substance. The diagonal framing also adds some dynamic tension to the subject.

Robin Vander Hamm

I specialize in watercolors that are inspired by my world travels. My subject matter ranges from South American landscapes to the flora of California. The use of bright colors, original designs and exotic settings are components I bring to my paintings. The incredible range of transparent watercolor allows me to capture the fragile beauty of a single flower or the somber mood of a gray day. For me, an artist is only limited by their imagination and technical skill. The elements of control and spontaneity make it a challenging endeavor. The thought of ever mastering the medium becomes more and more elusive and perhaps a goal never to be fully achieved.

I find the process of creating watercolors very satisfying and it also provides many side benefits…the greatest of these is the ability to see beauty everywhere.

So please wander through these images. There is some text beneath each. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did creating them.