Believing in Beauty
The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly is one of nature’s many small miracles. I was beautifully reminded of it last week during a visit to a butterfly conservancy, where fluttering wings in stunning colors and patterns flickered and floated around us. I found myself drawn to the stillness of the chrysalis display, where hundreds of jewel-like and homely pupa hung. Two butterflies had recently emerged. They seemed like a promise to all of us who have no idea where life is headed but still believe in the possibility of enduring beauty.
Tips & Techniques- This journal page takes advantage of an add on flap to extend the view. I was really intrigued with the large chrysalises on the left, but didn’t know what came out of them until it was nearly time to leave the conservatory. Because there wasn’t room on the page to add the owl butterfly, I decided to paint it on a separate sheet to add it as a flap that would reinforce the concept of transformation. At each stage of painting this piece, I doubted whether it would come together. I kept adding and adding– another pupa, more leaves, another layer of paint, more text– until finally I could see its own transformation and emergence.
Drawn In 
Where is the location of the conservatory? Great drawing. janice bean
Hi Janice– I went to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in Deerfield, MA.
thanks Jean
Hi Robin– Hang on to the bucket!
Love the post Transformation. The paintings and sketches are superb, but was immediately ‘Drawn In’ by the clever addition of the flap (did you add something to the unseen side?), the details of the chrysalis’s and the number there we’re at the conservancy, and your use of cross hatching to emphasize shading and shape. Beautiful, Jean! The process of metamorphosis is mind boggling, and the fact that you were witness to the final stages of the process was downright awesome in the truest sense of the word! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Barb– This page kept evolving and transforming, too. I didn’t fully paint the four chrysalises on the inside flap because I thought it might warp the paper too much. I actually like the no fuss of that drawing. But the rest of the drawing I did while standing and looking at the case– not the time or place for a careful drawing!
I love it all! Where to next?
California bound!
Love your spread.
Thanks Ginie. The green leaves were key to pulling the outer pages together, as were the green chrysalises on the left inside.
Jean this is fantastic!
Thanks Mike. You saw my desk mid-progress when it was a mess and this was still emerging. I’m happy it came together and glad to say I’ve cleaned up my work space to get ready for the next project.
Beautiful!!
Thanks Teresa!
You’ve demonstrated so beautifully how the informal structure of the journal can inform and expand your subjects. This makes me want to hold your pages in my hands 🙂
Thanks for all your thoughtful comments today! I appreciate you taking the time to look at a variety of posts!
Catching up after a time on vacation, away from my computer. Delightful to return to more examples of your work!
“They seemed like a promise to all of us who have no idea where life is headed but still believe in the possibility of enduring beauty.”
Yes. Thank you again.