"The 'purple rhody' is the native rhododendron in Washington State.  Hardy and long blooming, this shrub is a welcome sight along highways and in wooded naturalized parks."

Artist comment:  "The rhododendron is Washington's state flower.  It's nickname is affectionately 'rhody'.  So it is logical that almost all hybrids of this hearty plant grow copiously here in western Washington.  In the front yard of my home in Olympia, Washington, I had a hedge of rhododendrons over 8 feet tall.  'Rhodys' come in colors from pure white to red and purple.  This 'close-up' of a single cluster of blossoms focuses on the fluted petals and glossy green leaves.  It was painted with watercolor on Arches 140# watercolor paper.  After lighthly pencil sketching the blooms, I washed in a loose background which I allowed to dry thoroughly before finishing the main subject.  I began with the leaves, then each blossom was painted from dark to light, leaving the 'stamens' free of color.  Lastly, I painted the yellows and 'picked' white highlights out with the tip of a sharp razor blade."

This image is available as a limited edition giclee print on paper and canvas from an original painting by Carol Thompson. Edition length is 3600 authorized, signed, limited edition prints (3500 numbered and 100 artist proofs). Please visit my website for prices and availability of the original painting.