From Observation to Watercolor: The Story of "Meeting Mariana" (Commelina erecta)
- Eveli Rayane
- Jun 15
- 2 min read
Some watercolors are born from a single encounter. Others are built slowly, through many reunions and that was the case with "Meeting Mariana."
Before the final artwork, there were many studies. I observed the species at different moments, recorded details of its flowers, developed branch studies, practiced watercolor exercises, and more recently, began exploring it through graphite as well.
Each study revealed something different.
At times, my attention was focused on color. At others, on the shape of the petals, the structure of the leaves, or the way light interacted with the plant. Gradually, I realized that observation does not end with a single drawing. With each new encounter in the field, details emerged that had previously gone unnoticed.
Perhaps that is what fascinates me most about botanical illustration: the possibility of building a deeper relationship with what we observe. The plant ceases to be merely a visual reference and becomes part of the creative process, memory, and lived experience.
It was not my first painting of this species, but rather the result of a series of observations, studies, and repeated encounters that unfolded over time.
Sharing this process has become one of the most meaningful parts of my artistic journey. Often, when we look at a finished artwork, we do not imagine how many sketches, notes, attempts, and discoveries lie behind it. That is why I also enjoy documenting the behind-the-scenes process.
The behind-the-scenes process tells a story that is just as important as the painting itself And perhaps the greatest lesson Mariana has taught me is this: some species do not merely teach us how to draw better. They teach us how to see more carefully, to pay closer attention, and to observe the world more deeply.
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