Skunk Cabbage is an 11x14 acrylic painting on poster board inspired by my trip to Rockaway Beach Old Growth Nature Preserve in 2025.
Bold strokes of vibrant green and luminous yellow capture the plant's distinctive foliage and spathes, while metallic copper and gleaming gold accents add a rich, earthy glow.
The piece explores the deeper meaning of the western skunk cabbage, a plant known for its striking presence and powerful, often misunderstood, scent. Its emergence in early spring is a sign of resilience and new beginnings, pushing through the cold earth to announce the changing of seasons. The rich, golden tones symbolize the plant's unique ability to generate its own heat, melting surrounding snow and creating a micro-environment for life. This painting transforms the humble skunk cabbage into a dazzling symbol of perseverance, renewal, and the often-overlooked beauty of the natural world.
