Butterflies - Colored Pencil Drawing

"Butterflies" Colored Pencil

“Through art we can change the world.” ~ #twitterartexhibit

It’s an incredible morning in September as a profusion of painted lady butterflies migrate leisurely through the Front Range Foothills. Their fluttering course seems to be at the mercy of a fickle breeze that blows down from the snow-covered divide.

During the fall, the mountain landscape is ablaze in fiery color and the sudden arrival of so many butterflies stirs even more spicy tones into the mix. Out of the thousands passing through, a pair has paused to pollinate on a purple, Scotch thistle.

Intentionally constructed to be a little bit larger than life, this close-cropped composition lends the scene its dramatic sense of immediacy. The tiny niche in nature’s garden is an enlarged, abstract arrangement of hard-edged shapes and saturated color.

The pure pigment is brightened by the black outlines that encompass the separate sections much like a stained-glass window. A deep violet shadow spreads across the petals forming a dark value that pushes the travelers into sharp relief.

This rare, migratory phenomenon is one of nature’s great spectacles, displaying unparalleled beauty and an air of mystery. These carefree, little creatures have only a short time to spend on earth because their average life span is just a couple of weeks.

During their abbreviated existence on this planet, the painted lady butterflies dash about with a joyful enthusiasm. When contemplating the impending future, take your cue from these breathing works of art and always try to live your life to the fullest.

Butterflies is my contribution to the upcoming Twitter Art Exhibit: Myrtle Beach. This unique event is an international exhibition of original postcard art supporting Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs.

HCDSN is dedicated to providing services and supports, to individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism and Head and Spinal Cord Injuries all the while ensuring the person is at the center of services delivery. Their philosophy of person centeredness is aimed at helping individuals with disabilities to become the very best version of themselves.

This is accomplished through vocational training, community employment, day services, advocacy, social and recreational opportunities, community involvement and through unleashing their creative spirit and passion through art.

The art program is designed to promote self-expression, social interaction and the development of peer relationships through various art classes. The program began with art lessons and has evolved to include pottery classes with the local Art Museum.

Improvement in hand eye coordination, visual acuity and self-esteem has been witnessed by so many of the individuals who participate. Individuals with significant intellectual and physical challenges have realized significant emotional and personal growth through their involvement in the arts.

Proceeds from TAE20 will enable Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs to develop and extend the art program to offer additional art classes but enhance the individual’s opportunity to also engage in statewide community art exhibitions.

Twitter Art Exhibit: Myrtle Beach is the tenth installment of this open, international exhibition of handmade postcard art for charity, donated by artists from around the world.

Social media plays a major role in the Twitter Art Exhibit. It is their intention to tweet, share and promote contributing artists to thank them for their participation, and to make this event a success for all involved.

The event will be highly publicized and well attended by art buyers and enthusiasts, members of the press, local artists and the TAE community.

For more information, please check out this link: #twitterartexhibit

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