Tropical Butterflies of the World

Greetings Card (FSC Board)
Size: 175mm x 125mm
Card blank inside
Free P + P

Original Painting Medium: Oil on canvas
Scientific Name: Lepidoptera
Region: The Tropics

As I child I can remember being mesmerised as I watched butterflies feeding on a Buddleia bush in our garden.

Whilst preparing for my oil painting of Tropical Butterflies I read a number of books on butterflies and was amazed at the number of butterfly species worldwide and their diverse range of habitats. Some species fly 1,000s of miles, across mountains and oceans – treacherous terrain, in order to reach breeding and feeding grounds.

Butterflies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with special markings, and in a rainbow of colours: used either for display, warning, camouflage, or disguise.  In order to portray my butterfly artwork accurately I visited Worldwide Butterflies in Sherborne, Dorset, and with the help of the proprietor, Mr. Robert Goodden, I learned a great deal, including how to hand-rear certain species.

During my studies, I also learned that throughout the world, due to habitat destruction and changing farming methods, butterflies and moths are becoming scarce.  My adventure into the world of butterflies was an education, and painting such colourful, delicate creatures was a lovely and blissful experience.