Featured Work Rio Color Florals 1 Rio Color Florals 2 In 1808, Dom Joao VI, prince regent of the United Kingdom of Brazil and Portugal founded the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro. In 1822, the garden opened to the public and, ever since, it has enriched the lives of native and visitor alike. The garden is recognized as one of the best tropical botanical gardens in the world. It is part of the Brazilian Historical Heritage (1937), and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1992). I conceived the idea for this pair of paintings, Rio Color Florals, when I visited the Botanical Garden in December of 2008 and photographed two heliconias (the hanging Lobster Claw of Rio Color Florals 1 and the ordinary Lobster Claw of Rio Color Florals 2). In both paintings, I focus in on the detail of the colorful flower bracts (leaves) that hold the less showy flowers. Both paintings are bold and beautiful. Take advantage of the WINTER SPECIAL from December to the end of March. During these months, fine art prints of this pair of paintings are discounted (20 percent off on one print, and 30 percent off on a pair of prints). Fine art prints come in custom sizes, and are available in paper or on canvas. For example, during the WINTER SPECIAL, you can purchase one 21” x 15” print for $320 and two for $560; one 35” x 25” print for $875 and two for $1,525. Shipping is included. For delivery in Florida, add tax of 6 percent. Call or email for prices on other sized prints.