Emerald Swallowtail Butterfly

oil on cradled panel, 6" x 8"

Another exotic butterfly to close out the year, the emerald swallowtail is found in Southeast Asia but also commonly collected and kept in butterfly houses worldwide.  I'd hate to cage this beautiful insect, or any wild and beautiful creature for that matter.  I'd rather discover it in its natural habitat, or perhaps make a painting if you can't see it live.

Salt Marsh Moth

oil on panel, 6" x 6"

Moths are beautiful, too!  These are nocturnal creatures, whereas butterflies are out and about during the day, but they both belong to the order Lepidoptera.  The salt marsh moth is common to Florida and Texas.

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.