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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    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...

      Delete