This orchid is part of the Dendrobium family. They can grow on trees or on the ground. They have a pseudobulb which stores water. As the flower grows on a new pseudobulb the plant keeps adding to the cluster and spills over rocks and crevices. 14"x18" Watercolor on Paper Click HERE for purchase info. View Mindy's available Fine Art Reproductions HERE
The heliconia in this painting is referred to as a "Lobster Claw" because of it shape, size and color. The butterfly in the painting is commonly know as the Mosaic Butterfly. The latin name is Colubra dirce. I have encountered both of these species on my many trips to Central America. I really enjoyed putting them together as I like the brilliant color of the flower with the muted, earth tones of the highly patterned underside of the butterfly.
12"x9" Watercolor on Paper Click HERE for purchase info. View Mindy's available Fine Art Reproductions HERE
The Julia Butterfly or Julia Heliconian, is a species of brush-footed butterfly. It is native from Brazil to southern Texas and Florida, and in summer can sometimes be found as far north as eastern Nebraska. Its caterpillars feeds on leaves of passion vines, depicted here is the Passiflora manicata or Red Passion Flower Vine.
The Io Moth, Automeris io, is sexually dimorphic, males having bright yellow forewings, body, and legs, while females have reddish brown forewings, body, and legs. The males also have much bigger plumose (feathery) antennae than the females. Both have one big black to bluisheyespot with some white in the center, on each hindwing, a defense mechanism meant to frighten off potential predators. The caterpillars turn bright green and have many spines that cause a lot of pain if touched. The spines have a poison that is released with the slightest touch. The Io Moth is depicted here on the Eastern Redbud, Forest Pansy, Cercis canadensis.
18"x14" Watercolor on Paper/Available Click HERE for purchase info.
View Mindy's available Fine Art Reproductions HERE
The Julia Butterfly or Julia Heliconian, is a species of brush-footed butterfly. It is native from Brazil to southern Texas and Florida, and in summer can sometimes be found as far north as eastern Nebraska. Its caterpillars feeds on leaves of passion vines, depicted here is the Passiflora manicata or Red Passion Flower Vine.
The Io Moth, Automeris io, is sexually dimorphic, males having bright yellow forewings, body, and legs, while females have reddish brown forewings, body, and legs. The males also have much bigger plumose (feathery) antennae than the females. Both have one big black to bluisheyespot with some white in the center, on each hindwing, a defense mechanism meant to frighten off potential predators. The caterpillars turn bright green and have many spines that cause a lot of pain if touched. The spines have a poison that is released with the slightest touch. The Io Moth is depicted here on the Eastern Redbud, Forest Pansy, Cercis canadensis.
18"x14" Watercolor on Paper/Available Click HERE for purchase info.
View Mindy's available Fine Art Reproductions HERE
Every time I see a hydrangea bloom I think of the wonderful day trips to the islands off the Rhode Island coast. Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Block Island (lovingly referred to as "Block" by the islanders) are home to some of the most spectacular hydrangea displays I've ever seen. Quite often they are a backdrop for bright white picket fences. They nestle there with those beautiful coastal sea roses, that climb where they may. Hardiness is one of their most remarkable characteristics. They stoically withstand the harsh New England winters and flourish again the next year. In amazement, I look at this delicate flower and I think about the people who planted these gems and tempered these difficult winters.
Flashing Primaries is an oil painting done on canvas paper. I love the primary colors. So much diversity with only three colors...the basis for it all. Life is so simple, why complicate it.
The heliconia in this painting is referred to as a "Lobster Claw" because of it shape, size and color. The butterfly in the painting is commonly know as the Mosaic Butterfly. The latin name is Colubra dirce. I have encountered both of these species on my many trips to Central America. I really enjoyed putting them together as I like the brilliant color of the flower with the muted, earth tones of the highly patterned underside of the butterfly.
12"x9" Watercolor on Paper Click HERE for purchase info. View Mindy's available Fine Art Reproductions HERE
This orchid is part of the Dendrobium family. They can grow on trees or on the ground. They have a pseudobulb which stores water. As the flower grows on a new pseudobulb the plant keeps adding to the cluster and spills over rocks and crevices. 14"x18" Watercolor on Paper Click HERE for purchase info.
View Mindy's available Fine Art Reproductions HERE