The text and paintings on The Trowbridge Chronicles are taken from the illustrated journal of Violet Trowbridge, a shrew that once lived in a village deep in the Olympic Rain Forest. Each new post will represent a portion of Mrs. Trowbridge’s journal.

Monday, March 06, 2006

A PAUSE FOR REFLECTION

A young butterfly, just out of her chrysalis, creeps carefully down a twig to take her first drink. Gazing at her reflection for the first time, she sighs and says: "Oh, what a beautiful creature you are! If only I were as beautiful as you."

Of all the insects that Mrs. Trowbridge sketched, butterflies were her favorite. She loved to capture the bright colors of their fluttering wings. The butterfly depicted is an Anise Swallowtail, Papilio Zelicaon, native to the Olympic Rain Forest. Below is the text that Mrs. T scribed to accompany her butterfly painting:



Many have asked about Mrs. T's technique and working methods. She never started a watercolor painting without first doing a highly detailed charcoal rendering of the subject first. The charcoal sketch served as a foundation for her painting.

34 comments:

steve said...

Very impressive job here!

JO said...

Your work as always is truly lovely.

Unknown said...

perfect work!

Anonymous said...

Mrs. T sure can draw!

Roz Foster said...

Beautiful. I love the storytelling style of your blog. It's so clever and engaging. This image is just delightful.

Regina said...

I'm at a loss for words. Your work is full of so much heart. I love the beautiful butterfly looking at her reflection. The stories and descriptions are so well written and engaging. I truly enjoy your work!

HARDWAX said...

Your stories are dreamy, and your butterfly reflected, really beautiful.

Todd DeWolf said...

This is fantastic plus a really great blog. Cheers!

Debra Cooper said...

I am just fasinated by your Trowbridge Chronicles - the story, the art, the characters! Please forgive me if this is a nieve question - are your chronicles published? I envision them bound in a soft leather journal tied with a leather strap.

Your comment on my submission to insect is so very much appreciated! Thank you, thank you.

Unknown said...

beautiful illos!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful as always!I love the expression on the butterfly's face as she is surprised at her reflection. I also adore the innocent "bambi-like" quality of her sprawling legs on the water's surface.You can tell she is new!and not quite able to master moving her new form.

Anonymous said...

This is so sweet and well done, I like it!

Dagmar

http://dagmarsart.deviantart.com/

valerie walsh said...

I caught up on Mrs. T and both posts Tea and Insect are so completely delightful!!! This butterfly is exquisite in both forms. Bron your work is exceptional!!!

FoodChiCa said...

Beauuutiful!!

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

WOW! This is utterly wonderful. I hope to revisit when I have a full screen and can enjoy it better! Mary :-)

The Unknown said...

Really beautiful.

AndyDoodler said...

Mr.AndyDoodler says, "wow! Beautiful art and idea here."

Doug said...

REALLY awesome butterfly, Bron!

technical note:
I see a couple of little icons that seem to indicate there are a two missing images. Is something not loading?

Unknown said...

Very nice ripples and reflection.

Eric Smith said...

I noticed the two red x's too. I see any missing images...They just appeared because they weren't there yesterday...

Jill Yusoff said...

Simply exquisite!

Christine Lim said...

Perfecto! Love the contrast between the butterfly and the teeny weeny bug crawing on the branch. Your charcoal sketch is awesome. :)

TheTart said...

WOW... I am speechless! May I blogroll you at my place?
This is so wonderful.

Please stop by... I need some quick advice... I would love Mrs. T's thoughts.

Smooch,
The Tart

Ps I have fallen in love with your bloggy...HARD. : )
Butterflys are big part of my love life, natch!

Angela Matteson said...

This is adorable! It really draws you in. The reflection is quite impressive.

fin said...

sooo beautiful

bee'nme said...

Really just so lovely - what a great unique approach to the layout using a reflection - beautiful!!

Kelli Jensen said...

Beautiful picture, I like everything about it!

Michael O'Connell said...

how have i missed your work before? it's beautiful AND so creative.

tiffini elektra x said...

Oh my - this one is so wonderful! The painting is so beautiful the reflection and the little ladybug on the branch! I am in love! Again completely awesome! Wow. . .

Kim Carney said...

That is stunning.

"Maggie & Kevin" said...

Delightfully charming blog and illustrations. Thank you for your warm comments too.

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Anonymous said...

Ms. Trowbridge,

If you still read your comments. I would like to ask a request.

I am opening a metaphysical shop and would like to use your yellow & black butter fly image as a logo. Would this be possible?

I can be reached by email @ thesunshine65@yahoo.com
P & B