Butterfly #4
One defense mechanism for butterflies are toxic chemicals of bad taste for a predator. Often, the brightly colored, easy to spot butterflies have this defense, and predators have learned to stay away from them. I cannot outdo the paintbrush of God; so lovely, don’t you think?
Pink Peonies (Final)
Peonies are now just opening all over our part of Ohio, thanks to the busy ants that help bite the buds to free them. OK, I am not always happy with my painting outcomes, and this one has escaped my sense of approval, but every painting session is an instruction…what to do and what not to do!
Pink Peonies in Process: Stage 2
Here you can see a further development in the peonies of yesterday. I have begun to locate the petals with purple pinks, and I gave more definition to the whole. Next, the lightest tones will be painted to bring the flowers to full dimension.
Tulip Impasto
One way to paint more thickly is to use a painting knife. One of the many joys of oil paint is that it can be spread on like butter; it will set up and keep much of its shine, and “viewing” it can become a tactile experience. I quit on this tulip early, avoiding an overworked look. I used a beveled oval of stretched canvas that can be hung as is.
Butterfly #3
An abundance of butterflies means a healthy well-balanced ecosystem; their biggest threat is loss of habitat. These delicate insects pollinate our lovely world, and so they ask our care-taking of the earth. May all people say: “Let there be butterflies!”
