Getting to watch the wild black flying foxes in Australia that inspired this piece was a dream come true.
In addition to their intrinsic value and beauty, different bat species help humanity out by dispersing seeds, pollinating crops and controlling insect populations. Quoting the qld.gov.au website, "Flying-foxes eat flowers and fruit, and sometimes leaves, from over 100 species of native trees and vines. They supplement this diet by eating fruit from introduced plants found in gardens, orchards, parks and streetscaping."
Habitat loss threatens their survival like it does for so many organisms.
Robin Street-Morris. Blossom Hunter (Black Flying Fox-Pteropus alecto). Transparent + iridescent watercolor and soft pastel on 300lb cold press paper. 14” x 21” (36 x 53cm).
Please tap on the image of the art above if you’re interested in purchasing a print of this mixed media painting. Send me a message here if you’d like to inquire about the original.