Insects keep crawling in…through my sketchbook and into my paintings! I know this sounds like a problem that requires a quick search down a store aisle for a certain spray or powder…but I actually invite the insects into the picture. I want to indicate that these plants belong to a community, to hint that there is a larger story…a much larger story…behind each painting. The insect plays a supporting rather than starring role, so I find a subtle place so the viewer can be surprised as the eye travels around the painting. Also the little critters add action…after all we think of plants as stationary, but insects definitely move!
These graphite studies help me understand the physiology of the insect before I paint them life size in my paintings. These ants are native to the Pacific Northwest and only 1/4″ to 3/8″ (5-7mm) long in real life.
Ants crawling up Wild Ginger roots. The ants actually propagate this plant by hauling its seeds into their burrows to feed their young a fatty deposit that is attached to each seed. Then they put the seed into their underground garbage dump where it eventually takes root.
Oregon Silverspot butterfly and caterpillar. This caterpillar feeds only on the Early Violet species (Viola adunca) depicted in this painting, so has become threatened because of the diminished habitat of the violet.
Cascade Beetle I observed this beetle napping on one of the flowers I included in the painting, so I thought it appropriate to record its presence.
Lupine Painting with Beetle He woke up and is looking for a leafy snack!
I find the delicate balance and web of interconnections in nature fascinating. The tiny caterpillar must have the demure Early Violet to survive. It reminds me of human interconnections and the importance of even the seemingly small and inconsequential of us. After all, don’t you remember what happened because the little bug went ka-choo?
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
Hi Janene,
I love this article and I especially love your bugs. I totally agree that they go hand in hand with your beautiful botanical illustrations and with life on planet earth. Thank you for yet another awe-inspiring post! I love it 🙂 “Because A Little Bug Went Ka-choo” was one of my favorite books to read to my kids… Waiting for grandchildren now!
I love the insects and particularly the butterfly. I find that when I add something little, for instance a tiny fragment of moss to a mushroom stem it is often the first thing that people comment on!
I love the graphite ant studies. All too often we ignore insects because they are small and seemingly insignificant when, in fact, they are a vital part of our ecosystems. Well done for including them in your paintings.
Hi Chris, I couldn’t agree more–nature is so intertwined that each aspect affects another. We need to be aware of the amazing systems at work, not just the obvious in front of us. And anyway, I always did like to stand up for the little guy! 😉