Eighteenth Century Slippers

Sophie Bank's Slippers

 

This is a watercolour of some eighteenth century slippers, I have called them

Sophie Bank's Slippers.  Sophie Banks was Joseph Banks the botanist's sister,

I believe that they were close as siblings go.  Joseph Banks travelled with James

Cook on the Endeavour when they came to New Zealand to observe the transit of

Mercury in the North Island in 1769.

 

Joseph Banks was responsible for the recording of many new animal and

plant species.

 

Frances Jill Studd website

Midnight Collective

 

 

 



A Green Forest Moth

The Exquisite Emerald

 

This green moth is known as the Exquisite Emerald, it is a beautifully patterned insect

which lives in South Island forests.  As a forest dweller it rests on tree trunks where it is so well camouflaged.   The caterpillars live on wild buttercups which grow in the open

near the forests, this is the best place to see it.

 

It has a cousin which lives in both Islands but has paler markings.

 

Frances Jill Studd website

Midnight Collective

 

All images copy right Frances Jill Studd 2014

 

Pohutukawa leaves from the New Zealand Christmas Tree

Pohutukawa Leaves

 

I made some small watercolours of Pohutukawa leaves which I collected from Point Chevalier in Auckland.  A row of very old trees stands in front of the small beach which is so popular in the Summer months.   There was a carpet of fallen leaves under the trees, they always fascinate me as you can find so many different colours all at the same time.

 

This time of year the trees are sporting their new Spring growth ready to burst into bloom at Christmas time.  Their blooms are heavy spiky red bundles which cover the trees attracting nectar feeding birds and lizards and of course the bees.

 

At Cape Reinga an old pohutukawa tree is believed to be the leaving place for the spirits of the departed as they begin their journey to the underworld.

 

 

It is probably the best loved of New Zealand trees.

 

Frances Jill Studd website

Midnight Collective

 

All images copyright Frances Jill Studd 2014