Before starting a painting I like to observe and photograph my subject in a natural setting. I photographed this "frit" near the beach in Florida. I can't help but admire those rugged beach daisies that appear in the background. How do they manage to sprout in the sand? To most they would seem just a common wind-torn flower, but the butterflies certainly appreciate them.

The fritillary are large ornate butterflies. They perch on flowers with their backs to the sun and their wings open. Most have orange wings with rows of spots on the undersides. In my 8" x 10"oil painting the butterfly has a life-size 4" wingspan.

The free pattern has complete instructions for this project.

I check references and learn as much as I can about the subject's anatomy and habits. By the time the painting is finished, I've learned a lot. The painting becomes a wonderful reminder of our Heavenly Father's miraculous powers of creation. Each animal is so unique and beautiful.