It's Been A Buggy Week!
1:46 PM
You may think I'm jesting. Let me assure you that I am not...
One evening this past week, Chris and I were headed out of our neighborhood and were stopped waiting to merge into traffic on a busy street. I glanced out the window to see this Pipevine Swallowtail* sitting in the road. *Mine doesn't look like any of the photos on Wikipedia, but does look like my photo reference in my butterfly identification book. I think there is a possibility this is a female.
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| Watercolor of a Pipevine Swallowtail Stillman & Birn Beta Bound Journal 5.5 x 8.5 inches |
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| Detail of watercolor of a Pipevine Swallowtail Stillman & Birn Beta Bound Journal 5.5 x 8.5 inches |
My hope was that she was merely stunned, but in short order, it became obvious that her wing had been damaged and she was no longer able to fly. Butterflies typically have a very short lifespan anyway, and with no way to fly as well as the possibility of internal injuries, there wasn't much chance of her surviving.
Nature's unfortunate loss was my gain as it gave me the opportunity to examine this winged jewel up close and at my leisure. She's now making her home in my bug collection. In addition to this beauty, I was also gifted with a Rhino Beetle and a Cicada.
The cicada was found by my 11-year-old nephew. He gave it to my father with instructions to give it me. My whole family "gifts" me with bugs! How cool is that?!
Now I just need to make the time to sketch them all. Could someone "gift" me some time to go with all these bugs?!
10 Creative Thought(s)
Laura - just stumbled onto your blog...enjoyed my visit. Your sketches and art are lovely. The Pipevine Swallowtale is beautiful. Love your sweet kitty too...been a while since I had a new kitten but I have four old cats that keep me busy. I will be stopping back to see you again soon. Take care and have a great week-end.
ReplyDeleteHi, Debbie, thanks for stopping by! Our kitten was a bit of a surprise, but a happy one all the same. Loved seeing your big sweet crew on your blog! I'll stop by again.
ReplyDeleteI have trouble with bugs. not with painting them but with touching them.. Your butterfly came out great. hopefully you can find some time soon to do the bugs because I'd rather see what you do with them than touch them myself.
ReplyDeleteshame the butterfly's fate but you made a lasting memorial in your journal. Liking the font you used for its name too Laure' Have a nice weekend! ps - 'time is elusive'
ReplyDeleteI love to draw bugs. I haven't been able to collect a cicada this fall due to the dogs eating them. They find them on the ground and gobble them up. eeewwwwww. I hate hearing them crunch. Love your sketch. I wish for you some time to do more sketching.
ReplyDeleteThe butterfly is lovely. Lucky you! I'm happy that you enjoy the bug gifts--I think I will pass on that. The time thing, well, if you figure it out, please share!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Kathy - I love your sketch, but am glad no one gifts me with bugs. And I think we could all use more time!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful rich color!
ReplyDeleteI love the detail in the work. Amazing work.
ReplyDeleteI love the detail in the work. Amazing work.
ReplyDeleteLet's talk!