This is our NZ version of what is arguably the most striking flower of the European Alps. New Zealand has 24 species of Gentian, all but one of them being alpine. It is an unusual feature of our flora that flower types that are brightly colored elsewhere in the world are in this country pure white.
The New Zealand Gentians are no exception, though some of them are streaked with pale shades of red, purple, violet or lemon.     Regardless of color, they are a joy to behold in flower on the open tops. Their flowers and leaves have a solid fleshy look about them that defies all the harsh elements of their habitat.

Original ACEO painted on 160gsm Arches Dessein Art Paper mounted on card. Overall size is 2.5 in by 3.5 in. Some of the detail on the flowers has been lost in this scan.

Sold - California USA.

ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals". These cards have one main rule - they are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches - the size of a trading card. They are a wonderful way for buyers to sample an artist's work before purchasing a painting. Its also a great way to collect many of your favorite artist's pieces to keep in a small photo album or in a trading cards album. Art Card collecting and trading has become a worldwide phenomenon in the past 2 years, and many established artists now offer ACEOs as part of their portfolios.