Peacock Butterfly

We have all seen the crimson wings of the Peacock butterfly tipped with the eye-like spots, fluttering through our gardens in the summer months. But I had never really considered what these insects did over the winter. One day in December I was putting my son's clothes away in his drawers when I heard an odd and very distinctive rasping sound. I sat for some time and listened thinking maybe it was a loose electrical connection or some bizarre water flow in the underfloor pipework. I could never have dreamt that it was coming from an adult Peacock butterfly waking up from hibernation! At first all I saw was the dull brown of the underwings of the butterfly because the insects fold their wings up concealing the bright colours while they sleep. I later discovered that this sound is a defence mechanism to ward off predators, both the sound and the flashing of their distinctive bright patterned wings appears to a potential predator like an owl's face and protects the butterfly from being eaten. This sound left a lasting mark upon my mind, even in the depths of hibernation the butterfly has an automatic reaction to help preserve its life. The beauty of the peacock's wings have a function, not just to look pretty but to save life. I returned the butterfly to the crevice behind the chest. I like to think that these natural evolutionary defences had worked on me too, I instinctively knew to leave the creature be, even though I didn't know what it was doing at the time. Since then I have appreciated the patterns of a butterfly's wings not just for its visual impact but also its functional power.

I meticulously paint the original image in gouache. The Giclée print is reproduced from the original painting and is created on xpression textured 300gsm archival paper, ensuring that the quality and texture enhance the visual depth of the image. Each print is unique; I apply gold leaf by hand, adding a distinctive touch that reflects my artistic process. This handcrafted approach means that no two prints are ever exactly the same, making each piece a truly original work of art infused with my personal touch. I sign each print by hand and add the edition number. Ideal for bird lovers and art enthusiasts alike, this print brings a touch of nature's beauty into any space.