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This is a pencil sketch prepared during the process of creating “Yellowjacket”, one of the largest watercolors I’ve painted (and sadly waiting for a trip to the large-format scanner). Among the most reviled of insects, yellowjacket wasps are highly territorial and the bane of picnickers. Like all insects, however, I find them fascinating.
Organic produce slinger by day. Automatic Scribbler and Deliberate Renderer by night.
“Pete Janes entertains the macro insect crowd with meticulous gouache and watercolor specimen pieces, while his more imaginary illustrations seem to be glimpses into faraway realities.”—noted art critic and Portland bum R. Terialspray
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Comments
This is fantastic Pete.
Thanks Matt!
– Pete Janes
Very cool Pete! Your attention to detail is fantastic.
Thanks Ken. I can’t wait to get the watercolor up, but it’s big (23″ × 54″)!
– Pete Janes
This is amazing!!!!!
High praise indeed. Thanks Rouble!
– Pete Janes
Beautifully rendered piece. Such skill!
Thank you very kindly, Marsha!
– Pete Janes
I love this Peter! You are so talented.
Thank you very kindly, Lynda! I am happy to have a viewership!
– Pete Janes
I love how removing the colours makes it seem….deceptive. Great stuff man.
Thank you very kindly, Glendon.
– Pete Janes
I am not a insect lover, however, you do this well. Makes my skin crawl just looking at it. I spent some time in the Phillippines and after that with all the insects, no thanks. Great work Pete! Much success!
Much appreciated Trenton. I suppose my fascination is therapeutic to me after my own rather negative encounters with insects!
– Pete Janes
I find wasps and hornets particularly interesting. I can’t think of a more badass insect. Here’s my hornet
I remember running from these guys on the grade-school playground. I don’t see them much where I live now (I get to worry about Africanized bees instead!) but all I had to do was look at your sketch and the memory came right back! Great work!
Thanks SigneNordin. I am looking forward to uploading the finished watercolor soon in all of its close-up glory!
– Pete Janes
looks like a plate from an old botanical book. wonderful work
A look I have often tried to emulate, especially in my specimen-style pieces. Thanks hsien-ku.
– Pete Janes