Sogetsu Ikebana Japanese Flower Arrangements at Descanso Gardens Part II & Mermaid WIP

On one of my visits to Descanso Gardens, they had a show of Sogetsu Ikebana.  It is a Japanese art of flower arranging.  The emphasis is on expressing the spirit of the moment.  I found the arrangements beautiful and compelling.  These pieces were contributed by the group Yokou.  Here are some of my favorites.  I especially liked the pieces with birds of paradise in them, but there were so many wonderful pieces!  This is part II of II, part I is here.

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday

http://www.create-with-joy.com/

Here is a work in progress view of my mermaid with clownfish painting.  The flash went off, so it's a bit brighter then it is, but I think you can see some of the details of the clownfish that haven't shown that well in all of my shots.  I am working on the mermaid's face.  She still needs a bit more attention to her shading, then a wash, and then her features; however, I may not be able to do all of that in one session.  It depends on how much time it takes me to finesser her shading.  Oh and also she needs her hair, but that's a ways away yet...