Key West Orchid, a phalaenopsis orchid painting.

This phalaenopsis orchid was one of many found in a recent trip to Key West. Have you ever seen an orchid in its natural habitat? I was trying to figure out what is on an orchid that makes it shimmer, like glitter, in the daylight. I had never seen this before in orchids at my house. It was like tiny particles on the pedals that captured the sunlight. Tried to depict it here. I found out later the "shimmer" is referred to as "Diamond Dust" texture on the petals/sepals. And because lighting within your house will not show it, only in its natural habitat is it found, (unless you take your orchids outside into daylight!)

This is an unusual perspective...the natural perspective if you will. Most of us see these only as cultivars wired up to small stakes in an upright position instead of their normal profile...nice! This is the view from below looking up into the trees where these happy guys live!

Go Ahead! Click on a thumbnail to get the full view up close!

With 25,000 different types existing naturally and more being discovered each year, orchids are one of the largest flowering plant families (could there be more than the rose?). Although they are commonly thought of as tropical flowers, phalaenopsis orchids grow naturally in almost all climates. Despite their versatility, there is something distinctly exotic about phalaenopsis orchids. They are simply exquisitely beautiful to the everyday flower lover.

When giving the phalaenopsis orchid, it can impart a wide variety of messages, but historically the meaning of orchids is to have wealth, love, and beauty. To the ancient Greeks, orchids suggested virility, and after the rise in popularity of orchid collections in Victorian England, the meaning of orchids moved towards being symbolic of luxury. Phalaenopsis orchids have also been believed to carry various healing and protective properties, allowing them to ward off disease. The Aztecs were said to drink a mixture of the vanilla orchid and chocolate to give them power and strength, and the Chinese believe orchids can help cure lung illnesses and coughs.

Today, the meaning of the phalaenopsis-orchid is generally regarded as symbolic of rare and delicate beauty. Orchids are a very popular houseplant. Their charm and mystique delight those who receive them, for few other flowers have the ability to impress their recipient in the same way that the orchid can. Among the many different types of flowers available, the orchid holds a special place as one of the most alluring and captivating, making them a special choice for the treasured people in your life.

More about the painting

I use a 400 year old Flemish technique that involves painting in layers. This produces superior results both in the effects that are found in the work, and it's longevity. It is guaranteed to last a lifetime without fading/cracking if kept out of direct sunlight under normal room conditions.

I've been painting using the multi-layered technique in oils since the mid 70's and have never had a single painting returned for rework due to craftsmanship or materials defects. Actually, I've never had one returned for any other reason either. Once you have a beautiful piece of art in your hands I guess folks like to hang on to it.

Close up views will show the depth and details not usually found in paintings today. I've also included one that is not to exact scale, but gives you a good idea of it's size compared to some furnishings.

I know you will enjoy hanging this in your home as much as I did in creating it!

Hey! I'm gonna include FREE SHIPPING within the US.

Everywhere else I have to charge because it requires a PO trip for me.

Why not bring this magnificent phalaenopsis orchid (moth orchid) into your home right now!

Only $795.00

Art work information

Title: Key West Orchid

Size: 30" X 40" oils on linen.

An original, one-of-a-kind by hand created oil painting.

Shipping information

This painting ships from Lynchburg, Virginia. 24502

FREE Shipping for US customers.

Shipping International I charge $79. This pays for materials, padding, mirror box, insurance and tracking.

Guarantee

Buying artwork over the Internet is so fantastic! The only drawback is you can't get up real close to the work. With close up shots of the painting, I hope I've solved that. I can honestly tell you that my artwork always looks better in person than it does on a computer screen! But thanks to good quality scanners and digital cameras, it is possible to capture excellent shots that accurately represent the essence of the work. If you fall in love with the image on your computer screen, I'm certain that you will love the real thing immensely more. But just in case, all artwork is offered satisfaction guaranteed. In the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with the piece, let me know within 14 days of receipt of the artwork. The artwork must then be returned within 7 business days via the same method to which it was sent to you. Please include insurance. I will refund the entire price of the artwork. Shipping costs are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please save your original shipping materials for the return shipping should you need it. If the painting is returned with any damage, the return claim will be invalidated.

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