Blue Morpho Butterfly

oil on cradled panel, 20" x 20"

As an experiment, I thought I would try to marry the gold underwing of the blue morpho on the left with its iridescent blue upperwing on the right.  I like the overall effect.  It's hard to pick a side of a butterfly's wings to paint, they are both so beautiful and yet so distinct.  The pattern and coloring of the underwing is, in most cases, designed for detraction from predators, whereas that of the upperwing is meant to attract a mate.  The yin and yang of life, right there in one delicate little creature.  Amazing.

Taos Sunrise

acrylic on MDF panel, 12" x 16"

A new direction awaits me!  I'll be moving to New Mexico in the new year, to the Taos area, and this painting was done in anticipation of it.  The mountain depicted here is part of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, and the adobe in the lower right was just purchased by my good friend Bonny Von Dolores.  Imagine waking up to that view every morning!  I've been living in California for the past 22 years, so this will be a welcome big change for me and possibly a catalyst for complete transformation.  Perhaps that explains my recent fascination with the butterfly, which itself is the symbol of transformation.  

Wallace's Golden Birdwing Butterfly

oil on cradled panel, 6" x 8"

This is a species of birdwing butterfly, of the swallowtail family, found in Indonesia.  It is one of the largest in the world, with a wingspan of up to 6.3 inches.  An exotic and extraordinarily beautiful insect!

Brimstone Butterfly

oil on panel, 6" x 6"

I quite like the color harmonies in this little butterfly painting, especially the bright yellow glow coming off the upper wings.  The brimstone is found in Europe, Asia and North Africa.  

Mourning Dove

oil on panel, 8" x 10"

I painted this mourning dove in honor of my good friend Ron, who lost his daughter Claire recently to a rare liver disease.  She was only 38 years old.  I didn't know her, but testimonials from everyone in her world described an exceptionally rare and beautiful spirit.  The angels in this world sometimes complete their tasks ahead of schedule.  

This painting was done using the various tools I've been learning to master lately.  In addition to brush and palette knife, I used a brayer, a carving block, and a makeup sponge.  With this method, it's really hard to know when a painting is finished.  I could easily go on and on with it, but I do like the abstract shapes in the background and especially the colors.