As mentioned in an earlier blog post, I am engaged in my first public works art project, and it is for the city of Colorado Springs. 24 artists' designs were chosen from 50 applications! Imagination Celebration has sponsored this event along with the Colorado Springs Rotary Club. The butterflies will be on display throughout town this summer and then auctioned off. The procedes will benefit the art departments of the local schools.

A couple of days ago I went to the metal shop to pick up my alluminum alloy butterfly, weighing in at 30lbs. Now I am comfronted with reality. How do I translate my 8"x11" colored pencil design onto metal using paints I have never used before? I have always said that challenges are good, and I think I have one here that will push me. Since this the second year for this fund raising event, perhaps it would be smart of me to contact an artist with metal butterfly experience?  It will also be necessary to figure out how to actually set the wings (36" wing span and they will be bolted together) up to paint them. Hmmmmmmm.....

How do you respond to those big wings you see in the photograph?

To be continued. The evolution of this butterfly will be posted as I tackle each stage. Wish me luck!