Final Dragonfly Painting

Well, this one has been in the works for quite a while.

The focus was on adding lighter areas to reveal the arcs along the dragonfly's wings using Vasari French Ochre Extra Pale; add highlights to the body using Vasari Terre Verte Extra Pale; and emphasize the creases (imagined) in the dragon print.

Dragonfly wings are thin, transparent structures that are essential for the insects' ability to fly. The wings are attached to the thorax, the middle segment of the dragonfly's body, and are supported by a network of veins that give them their shape and strength.

One of the key features of dragonfly wings is the way they curve. The wings are not flat, but rather have a slight curvature that helps them generate lift and maintain stability in flight. This curvature is created by the arrangement of the veins in the wings, which are thicker and stronger at the base and thinner and more flexible towards the tip.

The veins in a dragonfly's wings are arranged in a specific pattern that gives the wings their shape and enables them to function effectively. The veins at the base of the wings are thicker and more rigid, while those towards the tip are thinner and more flexible. This allows the wings to flex and twist as the dragonfly flies, which helps it maneuver and change direction in the air.

In addition to the curvature of the wings, dragonflies also have the ability to change the angle of their wings as they fly. This allows them to adjust the lift and thrust they generate, which is important for controlling their speed and direction. Overall, the combination of the curvature of the wings and the ability to adjust the angle of the wings gives dragonflies the agility and maneuverability they need to fly effectively.

Dragonfly colors

Dragonflies are known for their vibrant and colorful wings, which can range from shades of blue and green to red and orange. These colors are the result of structural coloration, which is the reflection and scattering of light by the scales on the dragonfly's wings.

The blue and green colors of dragonflies are caused by the presence of microscopic scales on their wings that contain a pigment called pterin. When light hits these scales, it is absorbed by the pigment and then re-emitted as blue or green light, depending on the thickness of the scales.

Dragonflies can also have red and orange colors on their wings, which are caused by the presence of pigments called carotenoids. These pigments absorb light in the blue and green wavelengths and reflect light in the red and orange wavelengths, giving the dragonfly its vibrant color.

In addition to structural coloration, dragonflies can also have patterns on their wings, such as spots or stripes, which are caused by the presence of other pigments. These patterns can help the dragonfly blend in with its surroundings and protect it from predators. Overall, the colors of dragonflies are a beautiful and integral part of their anatomy, and are a testament to the complexity and diversity of nature.

Let me know what you think.