Jumping Spider on Peony Transparent Watercolor and Time Lapse

Jumping Spider on Peony (7x10 inch transparent Watercolor on Arches 140lb HP paper) — Jumping Spider on Peony (7×10 inch transparent Watercolor on Arches 140lb HP paper)

Jumping Spider on Peony (detail from 7x10 inch transparent Watercolor on Arches 140lb HP paper) — Jumping Spider on Peony (detail from 7×10-inch transparent Watercolor on Arches 140lb HP paper)

Yes, another Jumping Spider! I can’t get enough of these endearing arthropods. I’m looking forward to seeing them again this spring. Occasionally I’ll come across one in the house in the winter and wonder what the little guy is finding to eat. Maybe other spiders? I wouldn’t mind if they took out a few of the Brown-marmorated Stinkbugs that have been infesting central Michigan homes for the past few years. I’m tossing at least 4-5 of those out of the house every day. I don’t feel right killing them outright, but once outside, they’re on their own.

This painting was fun in that I got to play with a lot of bold, saturated color in the background. The spider itself didn’t take long to paint. Developing the richness of the background was the biggest investment. It’s interesting that often the background makes (or breaks) a painting.