Chris Shields - ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR OF A SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Papilio machaon) ON WILLOW

UK, 1982. Painting. Illus. by Chris Shields. Fine. Framed. Signed by THE ARTIST. 100mm x 80mm. A fine watercolour illustration, of a Swallowtail butterfly on Willow , signed to the bottom left. The image size is approximately 100 x 80 mm. the overall size including mount is 285 x 265 mm. In fine condition, acid free mount and solid wood frame with fixings. A very well executed entomological watercolour. [Biography: British artist and wildlife illustrator Chris Shields graduated Northwich College of Art and Design in 1973. For many decades he has pursued his passion for wildlife as a full-time self-employed illustrator, and is now regarded as one of the world's leading exponents of this genera. He has contributed wildlife illustrations to over 300 books, numerous calendars, greeting cards, postcards (including a fine series of 30 postcards of British birds for Grange Books/Royle) posters and jigsaw puzzles. He has exhibited his paintings widely in the UK and China and his paintings are held in public and private collections worldwide. He has a particular interest in moths and butterflies and was President of the Manchester Entomological Society. His illustrations of insects are particularly accomplished, very much in the best tradition of fine zoological illustration. Undoubtedly these highly detailed and accurate gouache and watercolour studies of wildlife subjects are his forte. His more expressive work is not always so successful.].