More Backyard Arachnids
Summer is here, so I’m getting as much photo reference for future paintings as I can. I found a cooperative Tan Jumper and female Dimorphic Jumper today and set up the all the photo gear. There were all taken with … Continued
Tan Jumper–Jumping Spider Pencil Sketch p43 (Platycryptus undatus)
I realize that spiders aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some people get the creeps from these little guys. I’m often asked how I decide what to draw and paint. In all honesty I just do whatever has my interest at … Continued
Dimorphic Jumping Spider Pencil Sketch p42
One of the best things about homeschooling the kids is that we can have class outside on the picnic table when the weather cooperates. That improves everyone’s mood. I’m pretty open to “teachable moments” when a distraction is worthwhile. Springtime … Continued
Immature Grey Wall Jumper Pencil Sketch p41
I have mentioned that I get a lot of drawing done while waiting for my kids in karate. Many of the children come over and ask to see what you are drawing. They really seem to get kick out of … Continued
More Backyard Jumping Spiders
Here are some more fun jumpers from the backyard. The jumping spider activity has really fallen off with the cool fall weather settling in. Once the first frosts come in I’ll be out of luck until spring. Included in these … Continued
Backyard Jumping Spider Photos
I know they aren’t for everyone, but I’m crazy about jumping spiders. I’ll photograph them every chance I get. These small spiders are pretty easy to find. I often have good luck searching the side of the house. Jumping spiders … Continued
Dimorphic Jumper (Jumping Spider) Pencil Sketch p28
Yes, it is yet another jumping spider! I can’t get enough of these little dynamos. I found this little one on a flower and brought it into the basement in the hopes of getting some good macro shots. I really … Continued
Gray Wall Jumper Jumping Spider Pencil Sketch p27
Growing up I was lucky. My parents were into animals and nature. Behind our house we had a huge woodlot to explore, and the other side of the street led to a big field, and past that was a pine … Continued
Arrow-shaped Micrathena Spider Pencil Sketch p28
I’ve always been interested in insects and spiders, but being small they are very hard to draw from life. Another option is to use dead specimens under a scope, which loses all of the magic of a heathy specimen. Getting … Continued
Harvestman Pencil Sketch p24
Harvestmen are an interesting creatures. Growing up we always called them daddy longlegs. The scientists call them Opiliones. Although they are arachnids, they are not spiders, despite sharing many superficial characteristics. Both have eight legs and two body segments. In … Continued