Aphrodisiac series

I began this series on aphrodisiacs at the beginning of December and finally had time to start my blog . I will continue to produce more pieces for this series as time progresses and more fruits are in season. I like to take my own reference photos and become aquatinted with the subject I am capturing. This helps me better understand textures, structure, and the personality of object I am illustrating. Aphrodisiac rich foods I plan to explore in the near future are the papaya, watermelon, fig, and cacao fruit. 

"Ahuacuatl"

watercolor

12"x12"

2011

The Aztecs, who were the first documented avocado eaters, dubbed the avocado tree ahuacuatl, or testicle tree. If you’ve ever seen avocados growing, the characteristics are very similar to the appearance of the male organs. The fruits dangle low and often in pairs. Not only do the physical aspects cause arousal, but also the nutrients they contain are a concoction of sexual stimulation.  Extremely rich in vitamin E, avocado is a power house for this "sex vitamin."  (eat something sexy) 

"Flesh"

watercolor

10"x12"

2011

Historically, peppers were used by multiple cultures not only as an aphrodisiac, but also to promote cardiovascular health. A wonderful attribute is their ability to release endorphins, which creates a "pleasurable high." The interior appearance reflects the sex of a female and also illuminates a sensual flush. The hotter the pepper, the hotter the attraction. (eat something sexy)

"The Joining"

watercolor

13"x12"

A prominent player in aphrodisiac lore, pomegranate was regaled as a culinary symbol of Aphrodite by the ancient Greeks. Some say the forbidden fruit of the Bible was not an apple at all, but a pomegranate. The stunning red seeds of the pomegranate tree are praised as aphrodisiacs along with its deep crimson juices that stain whatever it touches. Even the splitting of the fruit reveals an erotic connection between the two halves, as if mimicking the joining of two lovers.  (eat something sexy). 

"The Jewel"

watercolor

12"x13"

2011

The Ancient Roman practice of eating walnuts to increase libido has given this nut the nickname, "viagra in a shell.' The ingredient responsible in walnuts is arginine, an amino acid that is absorbed into the body and transformed into nitric oxide, known to help enlarge blood vessels and enhance blood flow to the male sex. It is also connected to the female in the visual sense of when aroused, her jewel swells to the size of a walnut. (eat something sexy)