The Zebra Swallowtail looks like someone started with crisp black-and-white graphics and then could not resist adding tails and red spots. Here, the butterfly opens across pawpaw leaves and one of the plant's wonderfully strange purple flowers. Pawpaw is its larval host, so the pairing is not decorative. These two oddly patterned native species actually belong together, which makes the composition considerably more satisfying.

This one-of-a-kind original paint carving is the final physical work for which the Field Guide Proof was created as a roadmap. Built on a cradled birch wood panel, the composition is reconstructed through individually painted acrylic layers and then carved entirely by hand with traditional gouges, revealing color, texture, and depth through subtraction.

The finished surface is sealed with a satin acrylic topcoat chosen in part for the warm patina it develops over time. Like the pages of an old natural-history book, the work is intended to age gradually, a quiet nod to historic field guides and the natural-history illustrations of John James Audubon.

The work is presented unframed with its painted edges visible. Drips along the sides remain as traces of the layering process. Each original is signed on the front with my artist mark, backed with an acid-free dust cover, fitted with D-rings and hanging wire, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Please review the Shipping Policy for packing, delivery, and oversized-work information.

One-of-a-kind original paint carving
Hand painted and carved by the artist
Acrylic on cradled birch wood panel
Size: 18 x 18 x 1.5 inches
Number of painted layers: 60 layers
Traditional hand-carved gouge texture
Satin acrylic protective topcoat
Surface develops a warm patina with age
Painted edges with visible layering drips
Unframed and ready to hang
D-rings with appropriately rated hanging wire
Acid-free dust cover on reverse
Signed on the front with the Alice Absolutely artist mark
Certificate of Authenticity included
Shipping terms vary by size; see Shipping Policy

Collector Note: The surface of an original Alice Absolutely paint carving will gradually warm with age. This is intentional and part of the work’s connection to historic natural-history illustration.

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