Monday, June 8, 2015

Oahu Creeper

Oahu Creeper
Watercolor, Pen and Ink on Arches 140lb. Hot Press
Matted in a 5x7'' Ivory Matt
$45
Paroreomyza maculata


The Oahu Creeper, also known by its Hawaiian name, O’ahu ‘Alauahio only occurs on the island of Oahu.  It is an extremely rare bird, and may possibly be extinct.  The last reliable sightings were on the Poamoho Trail in 1985.  Measuring up to 4.5 inches (11 cm), it feeds on insets and koa sap fluxes.  

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Hawaiian Crow

Hawaiian Crow
Watercolor, Pen and Ink on Arches 140lb. Hot Press
Matted in a 5x7'' Ivory Matt
$45

Corvus hawaiiensis

Called ‘Alala in Hawaiian, the Hawaiian Crow is endemic to Hawaii and is only found on the island of Hawaii.  This bird is currently on the endangered species list.  Land clearing, overgrazing of cattle, fire, shooting, predators, and disease have contributed to the extinction of the wild population of this species.  However, there are 50 Hawaiian Crows in captivity.  This is a social bird that travels in family groups.  Measuring up to 19 inches (48 cm), it feeds on fruit, nectar, insects, seeds, and carrion.       

Saturday, June 6, 2015

O’ahu ‘Elepaio

O’ahu ‘Elepaio
Watercolor, Pen and Ink on Arches 140lb. Hot Press
Matted in a 5x7'' Ivory Matt
$45
Chasiempis sandwichensis

Three distinct subspecies of the ‘Elepaio bird occur separately on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, and Hawaii.  Because of forest clearing, introduced disease, and predators such as the black rat, the Oahu subspecies, O’ahu ‘Elepaio, is listed on the endangered species list.  Measuring up to 5.5 inches (14 cm), the ‘Elepaio feeds on insects.  The ‘Elepaio is a curios bird, and has been known to follow hikers through forests.  Anciently, the ‘Elepaio bird was used in the selection of Koa trees for canoe construction.  If an ‘Elepaio pecked at a tree, then it probably meant that the tree was full of insects and would rot.  Hawaiians regard the ‘Elepaio as the guardian spirit of canoe-makers.     

Friday, June 5, 2015

‘Apapane


‘Apapane
Watercolor, Pen and Ink on Arches 140lb. Hot Press
Matted in a 5x7'' Ivory Matt
$45
Himatione sanguinea


The ‘Apapane is endemic to Hawaii and occurs on all main Hawaiian islands.  A common bird on Oahu, it prefers ‘ohi’a trees.  The ‘Apapane forages on nectar and insects it finds in the forest canopy.  It measures up to 5 ¼ inches (13 cm).  The feathers of this bird were used in Hawaiian featherwork.    

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Green Darner

Green Darner
Watercolor, Pen and Ink on Arches 140lb. Hot Press
Matted in a 5x7'' Ivory Matt
$45

Anax junius

Also known as a “Common Green Darner,” this dragonfly is characterized by a green thorax and blue body.  With a wingspan of three inches (8 cm), the Green Darner is one of the larger dragonfly species.  The Green Darner was so named because of its resemblance to a darning needle.  It is one of the most common species of dragonfly found in North America.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Hawaiian Upland Damselfly


Hawaiian Upland Damselfly
Watercolor, Pen and Ink on Arches 140lb. Hot Press
Matted in a 5x7'' Ivory Matt
$45

Megalagrion hawaiiense

The Hawaiian Upland Damselfly is characterized by a black head, read eyes, and black and red body.  The Hawaiian Upland Damselfly is one of 26 endemic species of damselfly found on the Hawaiian Islands.  This species of damselfly is the most likely to be encountered by humans.  One of the differences between dragonflies and damselflies is that damselflies rest with their wings folded. 

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Giant Hawaiian Darner

Giant Hawaiian Darner
Watercolor, Pen and Ink on Arches 140lb. Hot Press
Matted in a 5x7'' Ivory Matt
$45

Anax strenuus

The Giant Hawaiian Darner, also called the “Giant Hawaiian Dragonfly” is one of only two endemic species of dragonfly found on the Hawaiian Islands.  It is more commonly found at higher elevations.  With a wingspan measuring approximately six inches (15 cm), this is the largest dragonfly that can be found in the United States.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Cabbage White

Cabbage White
Watercolor, Pen and Ink on Arches 140lb. Hot Press
Matted in a 5x7'' Ivory Matt
$45
Artogeia rapae

The Cabbage White butterfly, also known as the “Cabbage Butterfly” is common throughout Hawaii.  Although a lovely butterfly, the Cabbage White feeds on vegetable leaves, making it a garden pest.