Leaves in Black & White

A value study done in black & white for last weeks DPW challenge. These are the leaves of a Bleeding Heart plant I have in the yard, and I was struck one morning by the lights & darks on the leaves & background. It was as if the sunlight was dancing on the light & delicate leaves of this plant. I have taken photos of the leaves of this plant, as well as it's flowers when it is in bloom, many times - it is one of my favorites.

I have 3 bleeding heart plants in my little garden. Two are the traditional pink & white flower type while one is an all white version. The all white version is much smaller and not quite as broad in growth. It's leaves are smaller & more compact. Every year they come up in the spring. They grow at a rather fast rate and before I know it, these little delicate flowers come out. Bleeding hearts do not tolerate high temperatures very well, and often by July they have died back & are gone. (although you can keep the lovely green foliage alive by frequent waterings when it's hot.) They also prefer some shade and only light sun, or again, they will die back quickly.

These plants are very easy to grow in my area - however, further north I have had trouble with getting them to return in the spring. Maybe the grown freezes too hard for them there, but here in what they call "Zone 6" they grow & return every year.

The value study painting was interesting - I have done similar work in the past. I actually bought a tube of Ivory Black for this painting as I usually make a black for my usual work. But in keeping with the challenge, I went with the actual black & white paints. I do see some others on the challenge have worked with a blue & white, brown & white value study. I think I will also use this subject for this weeks DPW challenge, which is painting what is outside your window. Only I will paint that one in color!

Acrylic on 9x12 canvas sheet