Nine Lovely Butterflies

(clockwise from top left)

1. Gulf Fritillary, Hanging On, 8" X 8," $100

2. Pink Cattleheart, Over the Andes, 5" X 7, " $75

3. Hecale Longwing, 11" X 14," $230

4. Orange Julias, Passion for Flowers, 11" X 14," $230

5. Dark Blue Tiger, 11" X 14," $230

6. Great Yellow Mormons, Sunset Ladies, 11" X 14," $230

Day #3 of 3: Pink Cattleheart

Over the Andes

5" X 7"

$85

Click here to Purchase

The Pink Cattleheart butterfly is a forest butterfly found in Central and South America from Mexico, through Costa Rica and Ecuador to Peru. Due to this location it is also called the Transandean Cattleheart.

Typically, the butterfly has five red patches on its hindwing. You can see that the one I photographed (below) only has four with a gap. I only found this out reading about the species, but I find it even more special now!

The caterpillars feed on pipevine, which makes them poisonous to predators.

This butterfly was at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy. It is a lovely space, but my photos leave a lot to be desired. I think I need to take the "good camera" and return soon. Besides many lovely butterflies, there are (among other birds) adorable button quail, turacos, and a pair of flamingoes!

Here is the slideshow of the art in progress:

Day #2 of 3: Pink Cattleheart

I'm having a lot of fun with the leafy background. The butterfly has a long way to go at this point, but since he is mostly black, it should go quickly.

You may have guessed that this painting is smaller than the others I've done this month. Yes, this one is 5" X 7." I drew it to paint on my trip, but didn't. Rather than let it go to waste, I'm painting it now.

Day #1 of 3: Pink Cattleheart

It's day 24 in the 30 day Thirty in Thirty paint everyday challenge. I'm beginning watercolor number five. Although this is far less than the 24th painting I could have been doing today, I am glad I am participating and I am very pleased with what I've painted.

Come back tomorrow for the next work in progress painting.