Work in progress: Masked Australian Painted Lady

Pictured above, right: progress view of Masked Australian Painted Lady, acrylic on canvas on board. The study to its left, a finished work in its own right, is destined for the upcoming One Hundred Faces exhibition at Playing in the Attic. 

Scroll down for earlier developmental views.  

Masked Australian Painted Lady takes its inspiration from the glorious butterflies that were frequenting our garden at the time of its conception. The Australian painted lady (Vanessa kershawi) is a species of butterfly found primarily in this country. Borne by westerly winds, it  has expanded its territory to include the islands on Australia’s east, including New Zealand.