I've really enjoyed painting my collection of British Butterfly Woodblocks. Not only do I continually grow my butterfly identification skills but I get to spend hours studying the most beautiful butterflies and the very intricate patterns on their bodies and wings. They never fail to amaze me!
This comma butterfly painting is a firm favourite of mine and is still available on my website: https://www.wildlifeartonwood.co.uk/product-page/comma-butterfly-painting-on-reclaimed-oak.
The comma butterfly is an incredible specimen. During autumn time it's able to almost totally conceal itself amongst dead leaves as it hibernates. Its beautiful autumnal colours together with the patterns on its' wings blend into the leaves on the woodland floor keeping it safe from predators.
Thankfully, and unlike some other species of butterfly, the comma butterfly is thriving. After a considerable decline in the 1900s it made an amazing comeback and today it is widespread in southern Britain and is spreading to more northern parts of the country.
Sadly however, this can't be said for all butterflies in the UK and the "State of the UK’s Butterflies 2022 report has revealed the alarming news that 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s." (The State of the UK's Butterflies 2022 Report | Butterfly Conservation (butterfly-conservation.org).
The main reason for the decline of butterflies is habitat loss. Butterflies require woodland clearings, heathland and flower-rich grasslands in order to thrive and much of this was lost with the advent of industrialisation.
Its great to see that there is so much work going across the country in attempt to restore such habitats and to help our beautiful butterflies to thrive again.
I took on an allotment last year and have planted a section of wildflowers amongst the fruit and veg plants in order do "do my little bit" so to speak. Its my hope too that in some way my butterfly artwork, in highlighting the beauty of British wildlife, will inspire people to celebrate and look after the creatures (big and small) which are right on our doorsteps. These wonderful specimens, works of art in themselves, certainly deserve to be protected and cared for. And, if we look after the little things, the big things will take care of themselves.
In the words of Oscar Wilde, "No better way is there to learn to love Nature than to understand Art. It dignifies every flower of the field. And, the boy who sees the thing of beauty which a bird on the wing becomes when transferred to wood or canvas will probably not throw the customary stone".
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