The other day I was searching for an unusual subject as the basis of my next illustration. While I was looking through various images on the internet I came across this extremely strange looking species ... "Glaucus Atlanticus" aka Blue Dragon Sea Slug. Wanting to complete a drawing that is relatively simple, I decided this litter creature just fit the bill.
A little background on this weird yet exotic critter: It is called a Glaucus Atlanticus (aka the blue dragon sea slug) and they are often found in temperate and tropical waters. It floats on the surface of the water with the aid of a gas filled sac in its stomach. Because of the location of the sac, this little slug floats upside down. They feed primarily on the venomous Portuguese Man O' War jelly fish. They survive by collecting the animal’s toxins and storing them in little sacs on the ends of their feather-like “fingers”, producing a much more powerful and deadly sting.
Beautiful to behold, but I don't think I'd want to come into contact with one! Prints will be made available in my Etsy Shop.
Happy Day!
Karen Anne
A little background on this weird yet exotic critter: It is called a Glaucus Atlanticus (aka the blue dragon sea slug) and they are often found in temperate and tropical waters. It floats on the surface of the water with the aid of a gas filled sac in its stomach. Because of the location of the sac, this little slug floats upside down. They feed primarily on the venomous Portuguese Man O' War jelly fish. They survive by collecting the animal’s toxins and storing them in little sacs on the ends of their feather-like “fingers”, producing a much more powerful and deadly sting.
Happy Day!
Karen Anne
Karen Anne, I totally agree with you! Very beautiful, but I wouldn't want to come close to one! Your illustration is fantastic! I hope you are having a great day ;o) Hugs ;o)
ReplyDeleteVery sophisticated ! I like it very much :)
ReplyDeleteI always love these intricate zentangle-like drawings of animals that you do the most.
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
Hey Stacy ... I am so happy I stumbled across this little creature, now I am on a bit of quest to find more unusual critters to use as subjects for new pieces ... we are having a great day ... our youngest son brought over a complete fully cooked angus rib eye steak (bbq'd) dinner complete with all the fixings for Father's Day! Oh! and Corona beer with a lime wedge ... nice!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you are having a good day .. even in a crisis, you exude love and happiness.
Big hugs!
Karen Anne
Hi Elletrarossa! I don't think any of work has been graced with the compliment of "sophisticated" ... Thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteHey Lise, hope you are felling better? Thank you for letting me know that you like these pieces best ... I like them because I don't have to think too hard, I can just enjoy the pleasure of creating a leisure piece without worrying if anything is right or wrong ... they also satisfy a need to create.
ReplyDeleteTake care and happy day!
Karen Anne, how come you always make me so hungry! LOL!
ReplyDeleteCuz I talk about food too much? LOL!
ReplyDeleteLove Ya!
8)
Definitely wouldn't want to get near this guy. Love the colors and the details in the background - fantastic work!
ReplyDelete