Orchids are plants of the family Orchidaceae, which may contain more species than any other plant family(the verdict is still out on this---at present the sunflower family still has a higher count of described species but the orchids are nipping at their heels). The orchid deplicted here is a epiphytes or "air plant" that grows on the bark of a tree. The tree I painted is growing near a cliff with the terrain in the background of panaramic mountains and mist. Orchids thrive on the moisture and acid of this type of region, and grow on every continent except Antarica. The grey backgound set a nice stage to the vibrant yellow, orange and reds of this painting. They seem to pop off the canvas, and seem happy growing in this dangerous position leerking on the overhang of a mountain.