Reflecting the Light

It has been delightful to watch the dragonflies dancing in my garden, their iridescent wings reflecting the sunlight. When a friend suggested I watercolor dragonflies, I started the adventure as I always do, seeking inspiration, finding different styles and techniques, and understanding the subject. Along the way, I discovered things about the dragonfly that I did not know.

Did you know that the dragonfly can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour (seriously, the next time you are driving at 45 miles an hour, image a dragonfly flying right next to you.) It can hover like a helicopter, fly backwards like a hummingbird, fly straight up, down and on either side and do all this while flapping its wings a mere 30 times a minute while mosquitoes and houseflies need to flap their wings 600 and 1000 times a minute respectively.

The dragonfly’s agile flight and its ability to move in all six directions exude a sense of power and poise.

The dragonfly can see in all 360 degrees around it, given almost 80% of the insect’s brain power is dedicated to its sight. It skims along the water and sees below the surface.

Did you know that in some cultures dragonflies symbolize prosperity and good luck? In others, they are a symbol of loved ones having a positive transformation into the spirit life. (Just like the Yellow Butterfly.)

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In the end, it is the iridescence of their wings that captured my attention. Happy Birthday Elise. Thank you for the recommendation.