by Leslie Walker and Deb Shaw

Leslie Walker delivering her Hechtia argentea to the World Bromeliad Conference. The painting is wrapped in bubble wrap. Photo by Robert Kopfstein, © 2018.

Leslie Walker delivering her Hechtia argentea to the World Bromeliad Conference. The painting is enclosed in a plastic bag. Photo by Robert Kopfstein, © 2018.

BAGSC member Leslie Walker delivered her commissioned graphite drawing of Hechtia argentea to be shown at the World Bromeliad Conference 2018. This year’s conference was held in San Diego, May 29 – June 3, 2018.

The Hechtia argentea is endemic to Mexico. This Bromeliad has a thick stem, really almost a trunk covered with the remains of old leaves, similar to the appearance of a palm tree skirt. The leaves are covered with tiny white scales, hence the name, “argentea” which means “silvery.”

The plant specimen had many more leaves; the challenge of drawing the Hechtia was editing out which leaves to draw, in order to be both true to the plant and yet make it understandable to view.

The artwork was on display during the World Bromeliad Conference.

Hechtia argentea by Leslie Walker, © 2018. Partial image (cropped) of artwork, taken with an iPad.

Hechtia argentea by Leslie Walker, © 2018. Partial image (cropped) of artwork, photo taken with an iPad.