Hibiscus - Rose of China

Painted in 1998, this painting was based on a photograph taken at the former Stapeley Water Gardens, just outside Nantwich in Cheshire, UK. It was in their huge glasshouse, next to a small zoo and aquarium which we visited often. I tried to capture the tropical feel of the atmosphere in there, it was a sultry afternoon during the school summer holidays. This hibiscus was a very large plant, well over our heads, and the dark leaves set the flowers off beautifully. Sadly the site has now long been occupied by a large new housing estate, but the memories live on!

This 10" x 12" acrylic painting is on a canvas panel, and is unframed.