This is one of three paintings that Craig has completed in this series- he is currently mulling over another one ;). He utilizes elements of surrealism while exploring the flora and fauna prevalent in his native South Louisiana. Craig transforms the landscape into a visual explosion of lush and lively plants and animals. Featured in this work: a frog, butterflies and of course the great white heron fanning her feathers for all to see. The piece highlights three children who appear as one with their swampy surroundings.
Pre-pandemic, our family attended our first and only “Color Run”, benefiting our daughter’s school. Following the day’s colorful activities, we brought our daughter on her first ever camping trip at Palmetto State Park, hence the front and center dwarf Palmetto palm. The events of that day inspired Craig to capture the innocence and inquisitive nature of children by placing them deep inside the mysterious and magical swamp. Their happy faces match the exquisite detail of the creatures that inhabit this realm and the richly colored irises (including an interpretation of the Abbeville Red Iris, the rarest species of Louisiana Iris, native to a single swamp in Vermilion Parish and introduced to nearby Palmetto State Park).
Go and see it for yourself!! Currently available to collect at Pink Alligator Gallery located in downtown Breaux Bridge, LA.
And as always, prints are also available!
– Val
Children of the Swamp (White Heron), 24″ x 24″, oil on canvas