Friday, August 23, 2013

Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)

"Dragon Fruit" 10 x 20 Oil on Panel
In June, on a trip up to NJ, I went into my favorite Korean market and was shocked in the best way to see these things. I had no idea what they were but I knew immediately they were getting painted.

"Dragon Fruit Study" 6 x 8 Oil on Panel



 Because they are called Dragon Fruit, I thought it would be an interesting composition to arrange them like a Chinese Dragon you would see at a New Years celebration. I don't know why they reminded me of that they just did.




 Here is a shot of them finished, but before I put the background in. This is my favorite look of the painting and if I could make a living just leaving them like this, I would.

Several people have asked what they are so I thought I would include a shot of the set-up so that you all can see the actual Dragon Fruit.
 They are actually VERY difficult to paint. The only thing harder was a pineapple. The green "fingers" (I like to call them) turn colors rapidly and move slightly each day making them hard to keep in the same position.  What would you expect from a Dragon though right?

This is what they look like cut open. I always like to try something I paint. I was not overwhelmed with the flavor. They were surprisingly bland considering the look of them. A little grainy, and not very sweet. Although I could have just had a bad one. One website describes them as being between a kiwi and a pear which is close but not a perfect description. 

 

 Also known as Pitaya, they grow primarily in warm, wet climates like Vietnam and Thailand. There are also yellow Dragon Fruit, but I didn't find them as interesting to paint. I think it is interesting the way that they grow and would love to do a larger painting like the photo to the left.


"Dragon Fruit" 10 x 20 Oil on Panel
Available $2,000.00 




 I like the way they look in frames so here are a few shots of them. The above is for sale through this blog. I have a paypal link set-up but if you would prefer to mail a check send me an email at info@clintonhobart.com

2 comments:

  1. Love these dragon fruit Clinton and the way you have arranged them. I lived in Asia for 25 years and these were a common addition to the fruit plate. The best way to approach them is as a palate freshener, and not to eat with anything else as they are bland. if eaten on their own they are incredibly refreshing, and the texture is lovely.

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    1. Thanks! I will try them again.
      I was very surprised at how mild they were based on the outside skin...I was expecting them to taste like they look...big mistake in any area of life...

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