Mariposa Lily natural history I painted this image mainly

I painted this image mainly to help myself memorize the traits and names of the five most common junco types that return to Colorado each fall and stay for winter

chocolate flowers

Open edition print from an original watercolor by Susan Quinlan

A trademark flower of the western prairies and mountains

Mariposa Lily natural history I painted this image mainlyWith long narrow leaves that easily blend in with the leaves of grasses, this beautiful native plant is difficult to notice until it bursts into bloom in mid summer. During one exceptional year for this species, I saw mariposa flowers scattered widely in many places in the foothills where I had never noticed them in previous years. The unusual multitude of flowers blooming close together inspired this painting. Original" 20 x 16 in acrylic on canvas