My coneflowers are in full bloom. These native flowers stand sturdy and tall. Despite the hot, dry summer we are experiencing, they are flourishing. Coneflowers are a particular favorite, and not just of mine. Butterflies almost magically appear when their showy blooms open. Yesterday, I witnessed at least four different varieties of butterfly alight upon the flower heads. Unless disturbed, the butterflies linger on and on, drawn by the flower pollen. On close inspection, you can see their long probocises probing the dense seed heads for the nourishing nectar which must be especially tasty to the butterflies. The sight of these brightly colored, delicate winged creatures inspired my latest attempt at a water color painting.
Still a work in progress, this painting shows an Aphrodite Fritillary butterfly sucking up the pollen from a large, pale pink petaled coneflower, seeking to get it's fill of the sweet, energy providing nectar. The pattern of this butterfly was so detailed and was a fun one to paint. I hope to "capture" some of the other kinds of butterflies that frequent the coneflowers and paint their portraits, too.
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