"and Summer's Lease hath all too short a date..."
(Shakespeare's Sonnet XVIII)
This ephemeral dragonfly, was hovering around my pond in Jamaica and it made me think about how much extravagance goes into the beauty and structure of such a creature, whose entire purpose in life will be fulfilled in just a couple of days - and then the cycle starts again. But what glorious days! Vibrant, lush, almost electric colours were chosen to emphasize the intensity and splendour of that short tropical existence.
Dragonflies are dependent on healthy natural ponds and pools. Are we doing enough to safeguard their habitat from plastic pollution and pesticidal runoff? It wouldn't be much of a summer without a dragonfly or two.
The wide format, chunky canvas, blocky brushwork and vibrant colour scheme all grab the viewers' attention. The painting is ready to hang with brass D rings and cord installed.
This piece is currently showing in the SAA HQ Artist of the Year Finalists Exhibition, having been awarded Winner of the SAA Professional Artist of the Year 2018 - Animal & Wildlife category.
