I just started a miniature painting of a mourning cloak butterfly, nymphalis antiopa, last night. I have had an interest in painting a variety of butterfly pieces for quite a while. I believe I made some similar comments on the website a number of years ago. Many ideas and very little time. :/
I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities to study so many different species of butterflies, both exotic species and native North American butterflies, but just haven’t gotten around to painting one of them yet. Sometimes I stew over ideas for paintings for a long while before they materialize. :)
The idea for this painting originated from coming across one of these butterflies sunning itself on some gravel on a path I was walking on. I had never seen a living mourning cloak specimen before, though this part of Minnesota is in it’s habitat range, so it interested me quite a bit. After a period of about 15 minutes of sunbathing, it disappeared.
Some of my visitors to the website and blog have expressed some interest in butterfly artwork. If anyone has any comments, suggestions, etc. — I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Please drop an email or leave a comment post in the blog. :)
Hi Rebecca!
I found your site through someone who was searching for Red Fox paintings – I looked up their results and found your site.
I just wanted to say I think your work is absolutely beautiful. I also have a big “thing” for birds (live with parrots). I paint and photograph them.
Just wanted to send a cheer and say GREAT WORK! I love it!
Gloria
Hi there,
Wow, how talented are you? I am very impressed. I just wanted to say go for the butterflies, i have been painting them as illustrations for field guides for a very short time and i am still learning. I love it though. Happy to share ideas with you.
I also would like to know if you have any tips on capturing iridescence? I am trying to paint a very pale green/yellow shimery one at the moment and i am just not happy with the results. Advice would be great.
Keep up the good work.
Katie
You are so talented. Beautiful work!
Thanks so much, Gloria! I’m glad you found my blog. :D I have relatives that live with parrots, too.
Katie, Thank you! Iridescence…. Well, when I paint it I always pay close attention to the varied colors shimmering and try to paint them accurately. If you can find the butterfly paintings by Carl Brenders (one of my teachers), he has painted a number of them beautifully.
Thanks so much, Jan! :D
Best,
Rebecca
hi bec,
ur art is amazing, and i have been looking @ all ur art and i want to be just like u.
your my idol
your the one who will keep me drawig and painting thanx
emz
xxx
oh and how the hell do u do it lol
That’s so nice of you, Emz. :D …I’m really happy that you find my work inspiring.
Best,
Rebecca
Thx for the “miniature’ history.although am now confused on more fronts. Ha..Never reallized how complicated it ws…Kudjoes to you and your family on your obvious mastery of this very beautiful art. I was trying to see your butterflies but don’t have the computer skills to open them up. I rely on my imagination based on the perfection of all the other picutes you show..Thank You.