 |
| watercolor sketch, Starr White, January 2016. |
Schistocerca Americana, the American bird grasshopper. It's official. I am in love with bugs. Me of all people. It all started in the autumn of 2014 when we began learning about insects in our homeschool science course. I thought it would be fun to capture a few specimens to study up close and personal rather than just in a textbook, and it has turned into something of an obsession.
 |
| Schistocerca Americana captured December 2015, central Alabama |
I captured this beautiful specimen one soggy, wet December morning when I went out to cut evergreen branches for the house. Enchanted by its lovely rosewood color, I decided it might be a fun subject to sketch. Imagine my delight when I discovered those fantastic leopard spot wings!! I had absolutely no idea that a grasshopper could turn out to be such a beautiful, graceful creature. More evidence that supports the old adage - never judge a book by its cover. Like birds and fish, insects are amazing in their stunning variety - sizes, shapes, patterns, colors; and it is a lot of fun to try to capture all those wonderful details.
I just keep thinking about the hidden beauty of this amazing creature. Because I'm me and I think about things like this. This great lumbering insect that most people would hardly notice, and if they did, they would probably think it was a bit on the ugly side. And then it opens up those fantastic wings and wow. It is magically transformed into a perfectly proportioned, graceful beauty with delicate, intricately patterned gossamer wings. There's a life lesson in there, friends. Look for the hidden beauty around you each and every day, and you are sure to be blessed in unexpected ways.
11 comments:
What a beautiful creature Starr,those wings are amazing and I can hardly tell the difference between your drawing and the real thing. Very well done indeed! Btw there is a parcel on it's way to you right now,hope you like it!
He's a beauty! Fabulous job Starr, you've portrayed him so well! I love bugs too, they're fascinating. I thought of you yesterday as I found some wonderful nature journaling information for families, and thought you might be interested. I'll email you later!x
What a beautiful drawing you have done!
How interesting! I'd never heard of a bird grasshopper before reading your post. Love those wings. Your drawing is really good. I'm really impressed by your drawings.
Have a great week!
Toni
Your drawing is beautiful!!!
Beautiful sketch! I will never look at a grasshopper the same again....LOL!! You are so right about how bugs have the most beautiful markings. A bird grasshopper, wow never knew about those bad boys, but I see its beauty now. Thanks for sharing and I think you are finding your artistic niche.
An amazing looking sketch Starr! Beautifully done :)
What a talent you have, Starr, this drawing is so good.
Amalia
xo
It's gorgeous. It looks like leopard prints on the delicate wings. Such admirable sketching skills
yes, such a beautiful insect and a wonderful rendition of it!
There is a man who has a blog, he lives in Australia. His photos of bugs are amazing and he has a bit of a spiritual take on his subjects. you might enjoy it. let me know if you would like his link.
Amazing talent Starr!
Post a Comment