[Art] Leafy Sea Dragon as Totem

[moonvoice]

erynn999, I've sent you a Livejournal message regarding this one. :)

Leafy Sea Dragon as Totem (Phycodurus eques)

Information on Leafy Sea Dragon as totem can be found here:

http://www.wildspeak.com/vilturj/totems/wseadragon.html

The leafy sea dragon is a fish closely related to the seahorse, and they're actually quite large (growing to 45 centimetres or about 18-19 inches). They are found in the coastal waters along Australia.

The leaf-like fins and protrusions they have are used solely for camouflage. Sea dragons live in the shallows among the seaweed, moving with the currents, and tend to shift and sway much like a praying mantis does when it is perched on a leaf.

Leafy sea dragons are under threat as they are often collected by people who wish to keep them as pets and perhaps - more dangerously - are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.






Original available for sale - ON HOLD
18.5 x 20.5cm (or 7.4 x 8 in)
illo's board, fineliner, aquarelle, pencil, metallic and iridescent paint

Comments

[paleo.livejournal.com]

My jaw literally dropped. I'd rank this one in the top five most stunning totem pieces you've done.

[cloversix.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, that's awesome. Kudos, P!

[sidheblessed.livejournal.com]

Oddly, looking at this guy I can "hear" his voice when I look at him.

[linstar.livejournal.com]

Lookee at the colours! Wowsers hon! :)

Don't wear yourself out!

[halfapersona.livejournal.com]

This is awesome! I love the colours!!!

^_^

[gemfyre.livejournal.com]

I wonder how they can be part of traditional Chinese medicine when traditionally the Chinese didn't have access to the SW oceans. I doubt the Noongyar Aboriginals managed to trade with them.

[erynn999.livejournal.com]

This is just stunning. I can't wait to be able to pay you for him! *swoons*

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I wonder if it's a case of - seahorses have always been a part of TCM, and as the seadragons are related to seahorses, it was a natural progression.

[skyfiery.livejournal.com]

Looks just like the one I took at the Underwater World! LOL. *joke*

Very great piece. I love the colors.

[deathofone.livejournal.com]

I love leafy seadragons and this one is particularly awesome, of course! I've actually been drawing one myself that's nearly finished. It's such fun being able to do something really colourful. ^_^

[liondaughter.livejournal.com]

They have a big tank full of these at the Pittsburgh Aquarium right when you walk in. It's so magical seeing them all floating around.

[rainsingingwolf.livejournal.com]

Ooo! Ahh! Wow! This piece is just stunning! The colors and the leafs!

[ariestess]

Oh that's gorgeous! Very nicely done. The color gradients are beautifully done.

[sera-liz.livejournal.com]

OoO I saw these at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa and they are so wonderful (literally!). I could just stare at them for hours.

This piece is beautiful and unusual, which makes it all the more special.

[wynkat1313.livejournal.com]

Just lovely! I have loved Sea horses since I was little, but then I was introduced to Sea Dragons and oh wow!!!! yum... most amazing creatures. I could watch them for hours.

So Totally Metal!

[perzephone.livejournal.com]

I like the metallic shininess - this sea dragon rocks!