Limited Edition Giant Swallowtail Fine Art Print

The giant swallowtail is the biggest and brightest butterfly in the eastern US. It was a challenge to paint due to the translucent quality of the wings, with the dark brown bands of the upperside showing through on the yellow underside. It’s much more common in the South, but I have come across individuals at times near my Chicago home, once even nectaring at our front-yard  flower garden! The caterpillars feed on citrus trees, which limits this species’ breeding area to southern climes.

This painting faithfully and precisely reproduces the beautiful colors and striking design of the insects I have pursued and studied since childhood. My style is inspired by that of my grandfather, Arthur Cushman, a noted illustrator who worked for the Smithsonian Institution and the USDA, whose paintings and drawings helped set the standard for scientific illustration in the mid 20th century.

> Fine art print designed by the artist

> Free shipping on all orders

> Printed on 230 gsm, 14 mil, acid-free, 100 percent cotton Fine Art Bright White paper

> Archival pigmented inks for superior resistance to fading, greater scratch resistance, and color stability.

My original 11 x 14 watercolor painting is also available – please contact me at specimenartcollective@gmail.com for more information about owning an original.