WILD WEDNESDAY: A Fabulously Flanged Friend for Fleeting February

Happiest of Wild Wednesdays to All!

With January falling by the way side, February has been able to swing into full-view! And with a lovely leap-year party looming, let's look lively as we march towards March. Hinting at what may hang on the horizon, I present fellow artist and a most perceptive pal...

Towering Yet Talented Towan, Orange Ape of Asia, Pongo pygmaeus. 

"A Longing Drawing Can't Cure: Orangutangled Dreams of Distant Canopies." Pongo pygmaeus. Marker. 2012.

Male orangutans are giants of the jungle, causing quakes that rip and ripple through the leafy tranquility of the treetops. In the wake of their sway, these massive mammals leave their air of nobility alongside a massacre of masticated fruits and nuts.

But despite the intimidating gargantuan figure, these simians can be quite sensitive. Solitary and wide-ranging habits leave these juggernauts ample time to ponder the mysteries of the universe, and perhaps even comment on the primate condition as they brachiate among branches. Towan (hailing from the jungle of Seattle) taps into his expressive side through his love of painting, making inner emotion known to the wider circle of life through bright, non-toxic colors. Moody and introverted, this dreadlocked dreamer has the soul of an artist that is often wrapped in a burlap blanket, gazing out at the world going by.

TERRIFYING TUESDAY: The Ever-Enthralling Komodo Dragon

Happy (Belated) Mongrel Monday! Or Tyrannical Tuesday. And a Happy New Year to boot.

Welcome one and all to the year of 2012 C.E., also known by the Chinese Zodiac as the Year of the Dragon. It just so happens that I have chosen to honor this auspicious animal with a stately portrait. Help start the New Year off right. And thus I present to you...

King of Komodo, The Daunting Dragon, Varanus komodoensis.

"Dare to Drool: The Komodo Dragon Spits His Tainted Tale." Varanus komodoensis. 2011. Marker.

Native to the island of Komodo (and a few others in the area), this cold-blooded champion of the ages spends his days leisurely stalking and ambushing prey.  With poisoned saliva and a fiery tongue, this dragon certainly breathes fire for any it sinks its teeth into.  With an island all to himself, this massive meat-eater has his pick of plentiful prey - perhaps that is why his mouth is always watering.  Tough-skinned and strong of heart, this ancient beast fears none, and is respected by all.  Ferocious in fighting and fast to feast, it is no wonder myths and legends surround such a revered reptile.

Komodo Dragon Fun Fact: young dragonlets scamper into trees soon after hatching, and live up in the canopy eating bugs and eggs until they get a little bigger. This way, they are not eaten by their adult counterparts (who can't climb) - and return to terra firma once they can stand their ground. 

(This nibble of knowledge brought to you by the San Diego Zoo!)

MONGREL MONDAY MEOWS MENACINGLY: Introducing the Towering Tiger of Sumatra

Happy Mongrel Monday!

It looks to be another glorious week in the land of Earth - so filled with a myriad of mongrels! Today brings the distinct pleasure of presenting the next featured wild thing... The Sumatran Tiger!

"Striped Stalker Slinks Silently: The Sumatran Tiger En Route." Panthera tigris sumatrae. 2011. Marker.

Trained to Tread

Though the dainty devourers of deer and tapir are deemed the smallest of the bunch, these Indonesian island cats certainly live up to the reputation of power and strength that humans have bestowed upon this brilliant beast for centuries. Ablaze in the water yet camouflaged in the open, tigers are masters of the stalking in stalks. Once that pair of bejeweled irises sets its sights on you, it is likely wise to change your afternoon plans. And this specific subspecies has certain swimming strengths seldom seen in its mainland counterparts; With webbed toes, the treadworthy tiger prefers to take its predominantly land-based prey out to lunch on the water, on the predator's dime.

FEROCIOUS FRIDAY TAKES FLIGHT: Introducing The Haughty Hornbill

Happy Ferocious Friday!

This inaugural event is the first in a series of posts I plan to publish, tracking my latest painting projects as they progress! Currently, this so happens to be a series of animal portraits showcasing the Species of South East Asia. With many more to come (in the form of tri-weekly trackings), I present to you the first mongrel of the bunch...

Featuring Our Frolicking Feathered Friend, The Red-Knobbed Hornbill, Aceros cassidix.

"High On His Haunches: The Haughty Hornbill Reigns Supreme." Aceros cassidix. 2011. Marker.

Only walks in certain woods shall find such feathered frugivores;

Tis only South East Asian forests where the mighty hornbill soars.

Flying high above Indonesia's dense canopies

This crimson-crowned king loves to gaze upon the seas.

For stretching round in all four direction

Lie the oceans in deep blue perfection.

Bonding for life in a mated pair,

Hornbills live a life many species don't dare.

While the female holes up in a tree to egg-lay,

The male departs, off on a familial fruit foray.

Though berries may elude him he presses on,

Ending his search only once the sunset has gone.

But bright colored sunsets barely hold a candle

To this well-adorned bird's big bold mantle!

Hornbill fun fact: These casqued crooners have long lovely eyelashes that are actually modified feathers!  That sets me all aflutter. 
(This nibble of knowledge brought to you by the San Diego Zoo!) 


Be back Monday for the next equatorially-excellent species in the series.