Fluttering Close-Up

Ben B.

Oil pastels

• Artist Statement

  Inspired by nature’s intricate beauty, I created a macro-style drawing of a Malachite butterfly. This piece focuses on a magnified section of the butterfly’s upper wing, showcasing often unnoticed and mesmerizing patterns, colors, and shapes. The Malachite butterfly is named after the vibrant green mineral. It’s one of the larger butterfly species native to the lush forests of Central and South America. Using oil pastels, I layered shades of green, blue, brown, and black to capture the wing’s complex textures and patterns. My piece hopes to evoke a sense of appreciation for nature’s microscopic beauty. By presenting the butterfly’s wing in such detail, I want to draw attention to these creatures and the importance of their conservation in our increasingly fragile ecosystems.

• Creative Statement

  Creativity means the freedom to express myself. It’s a vital part of my life experience and my personality. Art class is a supportive and positive environment where I can relax and focus on the art.