Frangipani

Diane Mannion, FRANGIPANI, 8x10" oil

      This frangipani was growing on the lower branch of a huge tree in Boca Grande.   I've seen Farmers market venders sell cuttings in short sticks which can be planted simply by poking them into sandy soil here in Florida.  Frangipani has white or pink flowers that that have a strong, sweet aroma and have been used in perfume production.  

      Used my handy-dandy meat skewer stick to scratch the lines on the leaves.  Actually, this technique is called "sgraffito," an ancient method used by artisans, common in Italy, to decorate frescoes on plaster walls.