Peregrine falcon

Peregrine falcon

inspiration This month’s theme is resilience. I chose the Peregrine falcon because it’s an example of a species that was listed as endangered but has made a comeback. In 1972 the EPA banned most uses of the insecticide’s DDT. Federal, state, local, and private...
Albino axolotl

Albino axolotl

This month’s theme is equanimity. I googled “equanimity endangered species” and, unsurprisingly, got no results. I tried “peaceful endangered species” and (through their AI) received a choice of amphibians. Contestants were the Hot Creek Toad (good name for a band)...
Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros

INSPIRATION I googled “endangered animals savoring.” One difficulty these days is the number of images created through AI that could never be found in nature. I found an NPR report about the work of Photographer Tim Flach, who is documenting endangered species in ways...
hermit crab

hermit crab

INSPIRATION Heading into this new year, I wanted an animal that chooses change. Hermit crabs have adapted to occupy empty discarded mollusk shells. The shells protect their fragile bodies. As they grow, hermit crabs move to larger shells. I found an article that...
Tapanuli orangutan mom with baby

Tapanuli orangutan mom with baby

Inspiration: I adore this photo, though I am scared to try painting it. I’m afraid I won’t do it justice. Also, I think the areas of interest (like the baby’s face) may be in the areas that are hardest for me to reach. Still, I’ll try. What do I love about it? The...