The cactus painting saga is complete, although the process continued to be fraught with challenges. Apparently, over the holidays the garden is open to visitors on Tuesdays. Not knowing this, I arrived ready to paint for hours, only to be warned by the gardener to expect several thousand visitors! Naturally I left before the onslaught.
When I compare the ink study to the finished painting, I like the drawing better. The composition is stronger; the image has more feeling in it.