Two Queens And An Old Lion From Africa

Bird of paradise flower or Crane flower or STRELITZIA REGINA

I just call them queens of Africa.

The Strelitzia is a striking flower, somewhat bird-like in shape consisting of long green bracts with purple edges that surround orange flowers with bright-blue tongues.

They are evergreen and indigenous with tight clusters of fleshy stems bearing long, oblong, grey - green leaves. 

They are Queens.

Broken Open.....

..

And the old lion in the bush.

Queens that can turn into old lions.

A life cycle.

Botticellis's Clouds

I was very lucky to be in  the right place at the right time to see the clouds of Botticelli's paintings.A couple of days ago I saw them right in front of my eyes on a stormy African afternoon. I am a lucky soul because I love Botticelli and I love clouds.

This was a sky like in a picture book with a renaissance flair to it. Beauty overload. 

This photograph is not digitally enhanced. The curve of clouds had exactly the same orange fiery red color as in the photo.

You can buy my prints in my Etsy shop as well:   Chocolat Negro Recycled Design and Art