Red Hot & Cool Center

 

 

Red Hot & Cool Center

 

9 x 12 x 1 1/2 oil on canvas

 

$180

 

Happy December!

 

Greetings & hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We were certainly cozy up here at the Nook with our 8 plus inches of fresh powder snow that just kept coming down!  Many of us lost power but thankfully not heat so indeed when it was Thanksgiving we had much to be thankful for!  Here's a red hot chili that came from my garden to bring back the warmth.  I love how I did this inner shadow depiction that expresses the inner essence of the pepper.  Very cool! 

 

artwork available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

 



Aloha Friday!

 

 

Swan Gord

 

9 x 12 x 1 1/2 Oil on Canvas

 

$125

 

It's another Aloha Friday which means no work til Monday!  Carpe diem!  Today in the Berkshires we are expecting a high of around 25 degrees.  Doesn't that sound fun!  Bust out the woolies and furs and whatever else you have for winter gear because you are going to need it in order to enjoy this place!  So continuing on with my theme this fall of a Renaissance happening here in the Berkshires I have another poem for you which I love. This one is by Meister Eckhart titled,

 

To See As God Sees

 

 

It is your destiny to see as God sees,

to know as God knows,

to feel as God

feels.

 

How is this possible?  How?

Because Divine Love cannot defy its very self.

 

Divine Love will be eternally true to its own being,

and its being is giving all it can,

at the perfect

moment.

 

And the greatest gift

God can give is Her own experience.

 

Every object, every creature, every man, woman, and child

has a soul and it is the destiny of all,

 

to see as God sees, to know as God knows,

to feel as God feels, to Be

as God

Is.

 

Enjoy your day & weekend!

 

artwork available at www.sophiemuseum.com

 

 

Two Fall Leaves

 

8 x 8 Oil on Canvas

 

$125

 

 

Aloha! & yes I know it has been far too long since my last past however I have been working and well celebrating my birthday which has gone on nearly all month but is winding down ..... boo ):  So here is another beautiful piece I made with natural leaves I found along the roadside.  You know nature really is the greatest inspiration! 

 

Along with the opening of the show and working with the Art Connection of Rhode Island I have also been generously gifting items to the Catwalk in Great Barrington, MA.  For you animal lovers this is a fashion swap really for women and all the proceeds are going to support our Berkshire Humane Society.  So check it out to donate or pick up a few items that peak your interest.  Guilt free shopping at it's best!

 

available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase



Three Leaves & a Star

 

 

Three Leaves & a Star

 

8 x 8 oil on canvas

 

$125

 

My goodness the weather is changing rapidly here in the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts!  We are surely having an amazing fall as usual with all the gorgeous colors that I depicted in the above leaf composition and then ooo I came home to some snow on the car last night!  Still many of the trees like the people in the area are resisting the end of such a magnificent season including yours truly!  Here's wishing you all a beautiful remainder of fall & all the Scorpio babies a very happy birthday!

 

artwork available at www.wophiemuseum.com/purchase



Two Autumn Leaves

 

 

Two Autumn Leaves

 

6 x 12 x 1 1/2 Oil on Canvas

 

$125

 

Aloha & Happy month of November!  The show opening was a huge success and we had a turn out of at least 50 people.  Thank you to all who were able to attend!  For those of you that couldn't make it... the exhibit should be up at least through the end of the year.  So head down to Stockbridge for a latte and some r&r while taking in the new art on the walls!  You can't miss my dragonfly!

 

The piece above was created from two leaves I found while out on one of may walks down Old Stockbridge Road........

 

We are kicking around the idea of a poetry reading sometime this month so to get you all in the mood here is one of my favorite pieces by Rumi called The Inner Garments of Love.  I actually use this piece in one of my Yoga Nidra scripts too and people love it! (read aloud it's better!)

 

A soul which is not clothed

with the inner garment of Love

should be ashamed of its existence.

 

Be drunk with Love,

for Love is all that exists.

Where is intimacy found

if not in the give and take of Love.

 

If they ask what Love is,

say; the sacrifice of will.

If you have not left your will behind,

You have no will at all.

 

The lover is a king of kings

with both worlds beneath him;

and a king does not regard

what lies at his feet.

 

Only Love and the lover

can resurrect beyond time.

Give your heart to this;

the rest is secondhand.

 

How long will you embrace

a lifeless beloved?

Embrace that entity

to which nothing can cling.

 

What sprouts up every spring

will wither and die by autumn,

but the rose garden of Love

Is always green.

 

Both the rose and the thorn

appear together in spring,

and the wine of the grape

is not without its headaches.

 

Don’t be an impatient

bystander on this path -----

by God there’s no death

worse than expectation

 

Set your heart on hard cash

if you are not counterfeit,

and listen to this advice

if you are not a slave.

 

Don’t falter on the horse

of the body; go more lightly on foot.

God gives wings to those

who are not content to ride an ass.

 

Let go of your worries

and be completely clear-hearted,

like the face of a mirror

that contains no images.

 

When it is empty of forms,

all forms are contained in it.

No face would be ashamed

to be so clear.

 

If you want a clear mirror,

behold yourself

and see the shameless truth

which the mirror reflects.

 

If metal can be polished

to a mirror like finish,

What polishing might the mirror

of the heart require?

 

Between the mirror and the heart

is this single difference:

the heart conceals secrets,

while the mirror does not…

artwork available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

 

 



Upcoming Exhibit

Aloha!  I've been very busy renovating my studio and preparing for the upcoming show.  If you did not receive one of my holiday cards it is because I do not have your snail mail.  If you want to be on that list then send me your mailing address and you will be added.  I usually send 2 postcards per year and the annual newsletter.  Hope to see you all at the reception this week. 

Stockbridge Coffee & Tea on Elm Street in Stockbridge, MA.  Reception starts at 6:30 pm.  I'm sure the exhibit will be up much longer if you can't make it.

A Bientot! 

Reality Behind the Skin

Reality Behind the Skin

 

6 x 12 x 1 1/2 Oil on Canvas

 

No longer available

 

 

I just love eggplants!  They are one of the most sexiest fruits ever!  This one came from my garden and although I have created a kind of still life hear it is really a piece with much more depth to it.  The shadow expresses the inner essence and life force of the fruit and was a joy to paint.  I made up the back ground and colors were picked by intuitive means. 

 

It's a keeper!  but other work available at www.sophiemuseum.com

 



The Fat Eggplant

 

 

The Fat Eggplant

 

8 x 8 x 1 1/2 Oil on Canvas

 

$125

 

Aloha & Happy Friday!  I picked up this well rounded eggplant at our local farmers market because I fell in love with it's shape color and size.  I love going to the farmer's market where every piece is organic and different.  This eggplant seemed to radiate vitality to me hence the red auric body I revealed to you on the canvas...

 

Have a great weekend!

 

available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

 

 



The Many Layers

The Many Layers

 

9 x 12 x 1 1/2 Oil on Canvas

 

$180

 

 

We're going to take a sharp turn on the blog going from all about cats to all about food and fall!  Here I was capturing the essence of this magnificent eggplant showing it's shadowy sided along with the spectacular natural coloring.  A fabulous piece for any kitchen or dining room!

 

Bon Appetite!

 

available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase



Paco dit - c'etait bon!

Paco Dit C'etait bon!

 

8 x 10 Oil on Museum Board

 

$125 (framed $150)

 

 

 

Indeed it would appear that Paco rather enjoyed his lizard, although some would say they are poison for cats (ha actually didn't really eat it all as the hotel employee grabbed it from him so maybe he new it would make him sick - or the guests to watch).  Still, I must say for the lizard that was probably not a pleasant experience but you know in the wild there is the hunter and the hunted so here we have the victorious hunter above simply being himself and enjoying the fruits of his labor.......

 

available at www.sophiemuseum.com /purchase

Paco and his Murder Victim

 

Paco and his Murder Victim

 

8 x 10 oil on Museum Board

 

$125 (framed $150)

 

 

Indeed Paco caught one of his prey and although not one of the birds he was anticipating a true victim!  Wow & the caretakers of the hotel really had a hard time tearing the cat away from his trophy!  Imagine that.  With all the treats and spoils he receives from guest he still manages to hunt.  I suppose it's for the fun of it since he really doesn't need the meal.  Then again perhaps he is more partial to fresh catch than canned tuna?

 

available at www.sophiemusem.com/purchase

 



Paco est Supris!

 

 

Paco est Supris!

 

8 x 8 Oil on Museum Board

 

$125

 

See that I caught Paco off guard and boy was he surprised!  What gorgeous green eyes he has too!

 

available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

 

Paco dans les feuilles rouge

Paco dans les Feuilles Rouge

 

8 x 10 Oil on Museum Board

 

$125 (framed $150)

 

 

 

Well after much deliberation on the sidewalk Paco has decided to resume his hiding spot in the bushes.  Sometimes I wonder if that cat was color blind.  Did he really think he could go unnoticed with in all that red foliage?  He was young, so perhaps a bit inexperienced and kidding himself.....Or maybe I just have a good eye and most others didn't notice him at all.....especially his soon to be victims.....

 

available at www.sophiemusem.com/purchase

 



What To Do

What to Do

 

8 x 10 Oil on Museum Board

 

$125

 

Well after patrolling the grounds Paco finds himself wondering "what to do"....I've been there before haven't you?  Going in the same circles over and over again getting nothing and really going nowhere....I know you know what I'm talking about!  So here is one of those days to just pause and notice....there is really no where to go, nothing to do, and everything is really ok right here, right now....  Ah the deep lessons learned from observing nature and in particular.... le chat noir!

 

available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase



Paco Qui Fai sa Round

 

Paco Qui Fai sa Round

 

8 x 10 Oil on Museum Board

 

$125

 

 

Here's Paco on his daily patrol.  He hides in the bushes then slinks about all the while thinking no one is watching.....For many he goes unobserved, but for someone with such a key eye, I found him & found his daily routine to be fascinating to document.  More on Paco next time.

 

available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

 



I Will Catch my Prey!

I Will Catch My Prey!

 

9 x 12 x 3/4 Oil on Canvas

 

$95

 

 

Yes, although Paco has been slighted in his attempts to catch and kill his preyed upon victim he stands determined to do so at some point........and I too was confident that he would eventually succeed!

 

 

available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase



Those Poor Birds

Those Poor Birds

 

8 x 10 Oil on Museum Board

 

$125

 

 

Here's Paco lurking in the bushes.  Those poor unsuspecting birds!  He was pretty good at keeping hidden since his sleek coat blended in with the soil under the bushes....but once he crept out onto the lawn the birds had a field day communicating with each other!  Still, I felt that one day he would win out.....

 

to purchase see www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase 

Paco Faire Une Sieste

Paco Faire Une Sieste

 

9 x 12 x 3/4 Oil on Canvas

 

$95

 

Ah the glorious afternoon siesta time!  Every cat know the importance of an afternoon nap especially after working so hard in the sun all morning stalking prey... or even if it's just taking a simple patrol around his territory!  Paco certainly has a good life.  He snoozes every afternoon under a canopy on one of the outdoor lounge chairs and I really enjoyed snoozing with him.  Oh the lazy days of vacation! 

 

 

to purchase visit www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

Bonjour! Je suis Paco

 

Bonjour! Je suis Paco!

 

8 x 10 Oil on Museum Board

 

$125 (framed $150)

 

 

 

The Long awaited Paco from the Caribbean!  I posted a few of him earlier in the year and am now just getting to the rest of the pieces.  He is a gorgeous cat who enjoys living on Grand Cayman.  Rumor has it that he survived the hurricane and was a street cat before being adopted by the hotel I was staying in.  What a magnificent turn of events for him!  That's something to keep in mind for any one going through the hurricanes of life!  This too will pass, thank you!

 

 

available for purchase at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

 



Simon Waits Patiently

 

Simon Waits Patiently

 

 5 x 7 Oil on Museum Board

 

$125

 

 

I think this is the last of my Simon Says series.....I know sad but also sort of fitting since we are nearing the end of summer and almost all seasonal things good & cultural here in the Berkshires.  This past weekend marked the close of the BSO (Boston Symphony Orchestra)'s summer season here at Tanglewood.  I was lucky enough to attend and had beautiful weather which has been cold and rainy most of this summer and not particularly cooperative for outdoor concerts.  It was an all Beethoven concert and wonderful listening too with the summer breeze wafting in the air as I lay beneath an area shaded by long standing trees.  Remarkably the acoustics (via speakers) are excellent even on the lawn......just pick your neighbors carefully!  Oh back to Simon.... At this point I'd say the little guy had had enough attention from the paparatzi and really was ignoring me and patiently waiting for me to open the door....which of course I did.  Cats!  Haven't they a way of controlling things (:


available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase


Hemmingway

 

Hemmingway

 

8 x 8 oil on museum board

 

SOLD

 

 

 I know, I know I've been posting all about Simon...but then I came across this lonely little image of my painting of Hemmingway.... and it occurred to me that it would be a nice surprise in the course of writing about the Berkshires since I have no idea when I will be writing a continuous blog on Key West, where he is, but he fits in nicely with all other cats.  If you ever get to Key West check out the Hemmingway House for more cuties like him.  Unfortunately, I can't recommend when the best time is for seeing the cats because I didn't have huge luck myself....but I did get tons of photos of flowers to paint from.....more coming next year.... and more on Simon on the next post I promise!

 

 

more work available at www.sophiemuseum.com



Simon Says "No One's Home"

 

Simon Says "No One's Home"

 

8 x 8 oil on museum board

 

$125

 

 

Poor Simon he waited a very long time for someone to open that back door of the Red Lion Inn and there just wasn't a soul that his telepathic waves reached.  Well I of course knew he wanted in but I was taking my photos of him and just wasn't ready to let him go that easy!  Besides he needed the lesson on...

 

More great places to visit in the Berkshires......Tomorrow night we're heading to Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.  The campus has been in operation I think for over 75 years.  Started way back in the days of Ted Shawn & I think an all male dance company.  This is my third trip up there this summer meeting up with friends for a picnic under the tent prior to the show and thank god we have had decent weather although mighty cold for summer!  You can bring your own cheese, wines, desserts...The Company has two main stages for dance productions and an outside stage which normally has free events for the community.  Definitely start looking at the website in January or February of the summer before you are planning to come because shows sell out fast!!!  Venues are usually only here for a week so that's not a lot of seats when you consider the amount of tourist the Berkshires get in summer.......

Simon Says C'Mon Let me In!

 

"Let me in!"

 

8 x 8 oil on museum board

 

$125

 

Here's another little piece of Simon at the back door of the Red Lion Inn.  Other great places to have fun at in the Berkshires are the Cranwell Resort on Rt 7 & 20.  During the summer months the "Capital Steps" comedy show is playing and really is hysterical!  All of the actors actually have incredible singing voices as well and it plays every night at 8 pm except Tuesdays.  You can head up to the mansion after for desserts and tea....or perhaps a little some stronger if you are into that!  Cranwell also has some of the best golf in the area and spa facilities.  

Simon Comes to Get Me!

Simon Comes to Get Me!

8 x 10 oil on museum board

$125

I think Simon here thought I had a snack for him so he was running to me.  Speaking of food....there are some great spots to eat in the Berkshires  If you're planning a Tanglewood lawn event trip then the place to go is Nejaimes wine and cheese either in Lenox or Stockbridge.  Both stores carry pre made picnics and wines from all over the world.  You can also go ala carte if none of the picnics interest you.  They have the finest selections of cheeses.  Many are local and made with raw milks.  Now that's something to live for! 

Not a grassy kind of person and looking for a restaurant?  Alta on Church Street in Lenox is still my favorite in town (Lenox) with a great wine list and soup specials daily.  Haven Café has great breakfasts for sure!  That is on Franklin Street, also in Lenox. 

artwork available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase



Simon At The Red Lion (Back Door)

 

 

Simon at the Red Lion (back door)

 

8 x 10 Oil on Museum Board

 

$125

 

 

Here we go again!  Simon is waiting patiently for someone on the inside to open up the back door so he can slide in and get to his dinner bowl.  It's most annoying for a cat not to have a regular servant to do these things.  Although Simon gets plenty of attention from the guests and staff it really is annoying that they can't read his cat thoughts and be there to fulfill his every whim!

 

Along with the Red Lion, Simon has been known to hitch rides as far as Great Barrington to attend the fabulous productions at a little gem of a theatre there called "Mixed Company".  Located off of Rossetter Street, "Mixed Company" produces several productions annually with local actors and primarily directed by Joan Ackerman who is an accomplished writer and producer.  I highly recommend you seeking out this theatre should you spend anytime in the Berkshires! 

 

 

available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

Simon Says "Open Up"

Simon Say Open Up!

 

8 x 8 Oil on Museum Board

 

$125

 

 

Here's another piece of Simon at the back door of the Red Lion Inn.  Also on Main Street in Stockbridge is a little known theatre called the Lavender Door.  The theatre is owned and operated by the Austin Riggs Center located nearby.  Kevin Coleman, a well known Actor and Director in these parts, normally directs two shows a year here.  One in spring and one in the late fall.  He combines residents of the center with talented local actors to create an unforgettable Shakespeare play or other modern pieces.  The theatre is totally cute seating maybe 99 guests giving it a rather cozy feel and tickets are cheap - usually $10 at the door although reservations are suggested!  Everyone I turn on to this place really loves the shows and can't wait to go back.  Usually they are wishing for more than just the two productions! 

 

 

to purchase see www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

Open Sesame

Open Sesame

SOLD

 

 

For those of you receiving my snail mail annual newsletter Simon was featured in it and then subsequently purchased.  He's the Red Lion Inn's mascot and pretty famous not only in these parts but even draws visitors from around the world to the Inn.  The Red Lion Inn is in the heart of Stockbridge, MA & has been accommodating visitors since 1773.  It was a featured winter scene by Norman Rockwell, a famous painter who had his studio in these parts too.  It was not originally called the Red Lion Inn, but has held this title since around the turn of the century (1900 that is).  Simon here is painted from the back porch door which is a little hide away compared to the front porch which adorns the Main Street.  You can have a much quieter drink on this side!  More on Simon and historic places to visit in the Berkshires on the nest post!

 

 

see www.sophiemuseum.com for additional pieces available of Simon



The Enlightened Chat Noir

 

 

The Enlightened Chat Noir

 

$125

 

6 x 12 x 1 1/2

 

 

 

Well here she is at the pinnacle of self realization.  Le Chat Noir has become Enlightened and so can you if you follow in her footsteps...purify yourself on the inside and you will be delighted by the outside...

 

I actually had the vision for her long before the rest of the series.  It sometimes happens that way; you begin with the end in mind (and in my case it was a dream) and then the other pieces of the puzzle fall into place.   Ooo isn't that deep?  I'm not going to talk a lot about this piece nor the experience of reaching self actualization because all of the scriptures and books indicate that it is an experience beyond words which is why there is no need to talk about it and of course nothing needs to be said really.  Besides a picture is worth 1,000 words and she says them all....

 

Happy end of July! 

 

for purchase see www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

 

 



BuddaPurr

Budda-Purr

Available in Print $50

Original 6 x 12 x 1 1/2

Yes Indeed I finally finished the series (this is 6 of 7) and this is the enlightened chat noir purifying the sixth chakra.  Ironically I did not have the visual for this piece until I myself had just completed the siddhi mantra discipline for Ahem Prem (that's 125k repetitions of I am divine love in case you are wondering) which obviously would purify the sixth chakra since that is what prayer work does.  Isn't that deep & exciting!  The sixth chakra is also known as Ajna, the third eye or all seeing eye as it is the space where the mental and psychic aspects of our being unite.  This of course requires spiritual development which there are many paths for.  I just happen to be following Budda-purrs example.  You choose your own. 

Just look at that sweetheart she seems to say everything is really ok just close your eyes, breathe easy and meditate...Om purr...om purr...om purr...Try it.  I guarantee you will feel better!

 

In any event prints are available for $50 and most likely a 9 x 12 or 8 x 10
Next post will be the Enlightened Chat Noir...

www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase


The Fifth Chakra

 

 

Speaks Volumes

 

6 x 12 x 1 1/2 oil on canvas

$125

 

 

 

So Le chat noir has progressed in her spiritual evolution and is now working on the fifth chakra or what is also known as the throat chakra.  It is here that all dualities, polarities and dichotomies of opposites are accepted within ourselves without judgment.  Well isn't that a relief.  It is also the center of speech.  Here the pussy cat is ready to roar.  MEOW!

 

 

artwork available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase





Opening the Heart

 

 

Opening the Heart

 

 

6 x 12 x 1 1/2 Oil on Canvas

 

$125

 

Here we see the Enlightened Chat Noir in the downward cat position.  Frankly, she's never understood why it was called Down Dog either when cats really seem to be the developers of it and the masters....So in this position le chat noir is balancing all of her chakras and opening the heart.  What does opening the heart center do?  Well allows more love and compassion to flow in and out of your life.  And who couldn't use a little more love?  This is the Anahata chakra which stands for unstruck sound.  I don't know about you but my cat is often silent....still I can feel all that loving vibration and compassion that is always present....

 

 

available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase



Manifesta!

 

 

Manifesta

 

6 x 12 x 1 1/2 oil on canvas

SOLD

 

Oh does this divine creature know she is a goddess or what?  That's right le chat noir continues the spiritual advancement and begins to understand that thought with the combination of will produces the physical manifestation.  Is that exciting or what?!  And all without uttering a single word!  Manifesta symbolizes the third chakra - the center of inner power, energy, ambitions and drives.  She's got it down!  Learn from her..... And study your own center of being to manifest your desires!

 

 

other pieces in the series available at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase

 

 





Pet Me!

 

 

"Pet Me!"

 

6 x 12 x 1 1/2 oil on canvas

$125

 

Well le chat noir has "awakened" and he is now experiencing his bliss in his second chakra which is sometimes referred to as the emotions and feelings zone.  A place where physical pleasures and desires are indulged in.  Ooo la la I know!  Oh to be a cat.....

 

This is part of my series on the Enlightened Chat Noir.  The images came to me as dreams so obviously I was not concerned with getting the dimension "right" as is often sought after by many painters.  As an artist is it sometimes much more important to communicate an idea than to be perfect.  Pure raw imagination should not be tampered with!  And I'm sure by the picture you get the idea - the cat wants to be stroked on his belly & enjoy the pleasure!  Ooo la la!

 

available for purchase at www.sophiemuseum.com/purchase/





Le chat noir dort

 

"Dozing Cat"

 

6 x 12 x 1 1/2

$125

 

Oui Oui!  Le chat noir dort!  (the black cat is sleeping)  Here we see le chat noir in the un-awakened state completely unaware of anything outside of his dream state.  He is completely absorbed in "muladhara", the base chakra.  He has not realized his potential as a superior being and remains asleep.  This is similar to the state of man when he has not realized his spiritual nature and potential and is unaware of his true self.  You will see in this next series of paintings the cycle of spiritual evolution which is available for all beings; animals and people alike! 

 

Step one is awakening the kundalini (or spiritual) energy which is symbolically coiled three times around the base of the spine.  How does one do this?  Well naturally you will need to discover that out on your own!  I am simply a guide pointing in one of the many directions available....Note that as this energy is released and flows upward through the other chakras it is purified and the spiritual awakening process beings........

 

Ooo la la!

 

to purchase artwork visit http://sophiemuseum.com/purchase/



All Those Golden Orbs

 

"Golden Orbs"

 

8 x 8 x 1 1/2 oil on canvas

$125

 

I hope you have enjoyed the dragonfly lessons.  I think this is the last of my dragonfly works for the time being.  I am working on another series now that probably won't be ready for another few months.  At that point, when I write about the dragonfly, it will most likely be from a more mystical perspective.  Doesn't that sound fun!  Perhaps one that includes folklore or magical powers associated with the ancient insect that has allegedly been on earth for millions of years.  How they "know" these things is a mystery to me and why it matters.....

 

Happy Independence Day too!  Woohoo!

 

artwork available at www.sophiemusem.com purchase page





Iced Dragonfly

 

"Iced Dragonfly"

 

8 x 8 x 1 1/2 Oil on Canvas

 

$125

 

Well I hope you have been enjoying the growth and mating lessons on dragonflies!  After all of the excitement of mating is complete, the female still needs to lay her eggs which go into or near the water and thus begins the next life cycle of dragonflies here on earth...

 

Some females cut little slits in stems of leaves or water plants and lay the eggs there.  Others insert them below the water line and still others place the eggs near moss, rotted wood, tree branches, or damp soil / mud.  Still more simply drop the eggs into the water while flying.  Remember all dragonflies start out as nymphs and therefore begin their life in the water...

 

Males sometimes accompany the females while she lays her eggs.  As a sort of protection from predators...After that the relationship may be over......

 

I know, sad isn't it? 

 

artwork available at www.sophiemusem.com purchase page



Damselflies Ready to Mate!

Sorry this one isn't for sale unless you want a print!  I just thought you would like to see where some of my ideas for the canvas come from... and well since we are on the subject of dragonflies mating and in my last post you just got to learn about how they attach to one another and start to fly off together I thought I would give you a visual on the next step.....

After their aerobatics together they perch together, yes that's right still attached.  As you can see here the male pretty much has that female by the neck or behind the eyes, dragging her along at this point.  Well, that's what it looks like to me...and primitive to boot!  Anyway in a few minutes the mating will look pretty darn cute (which no I did not get a picture of.... I mean privacy for insects please!)  as the two actually end up forming the shape of a heart with their bodies as the female wraps her tail end under to meet his abdomen (area near the chest).  Isn't that cute & romantic!  Pretty flexible little creatures too & no yoga classes to teach them!

So I believe these two are damselflies which you can discern from the delicate shapes of their bodies and, as mentioned in an earlier post, and the eyes are very different and do not wrap around their whole head like the dragonfly's. 

Enjoy the weekend!

Continued Courship

 

"Misty Lagoon Study"

9 x 12 x 3/4 oil on canvas

$95

 

 

In my last post I never did describe this species.  Tell you the truth they were zippin around the pound so fast it was hard to get a good look at them!  Bright red though so my thought is Needham's Skimmer or Roseate Skimmer. 

Back to the courtship.  So once the female dragonfly has been captivated by the male, they are ready to do some aerobatics together as follows.  This involves the make actually hooking his end around the females neck/yeyse and dragging her along for the ride!  So barbaric I know!  The three part process is as follows...The female is perched.  The male perches on top of her and curves his abdomen under his body (yes he is very flexible) and grabs the female around the neck with his claspers.  Then voila!  They fly away with the male in the lead......

To be continued...

 

painting available at www.sophiemuseum.com
 



A New Species

"Misty Lagoon"

18 x 24 x 1 1/2 oil on canvas

$400

Now here's a sweet new guy that I spotted while in Dickinson, Texas visiting my friend Sue Bown at the Bide-A-While Art & Retreat Sanctuary.  Although the backside of her property is right on the bayou there is also a nifty little pond in the front across the street from the main house.  I had been out one morning stretching my legs after one of our fantastic crepe breakfasts and stumbled across these dragonflies skimming the waters and doing summersaults around each other.  It really is fun to watch them play and their courting ritual is as follows...

Females generally stay in forested areas for most of their lives and only visit the water areas when they are ready to lay their eggs.  I love how all of this is just done instinctually.  Some males stake out a territory and others simply stay near watered areas and intercept females when they enter the area.  Here's a sample day of courtship...

A female enters a males territory and perches.  The male flies toward her, hovers, and postures to show off his most colorful feature.  Somewhat like how men pose and show off their muscles.  It might of interest to you to know that in many of the dragonfly species the male is actually much more colorful and beautiful to look at than the female.  Back to courtship---depending on the species, the male may adopt a pose that gives a good look at his face, legs, wings or even the underside of his abdomen as if to moon her!  If the female is unimpressed she simply flies away... but if she finds the male acceptable she remains on her perch...

To be continued on the next post....

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