Frangipani Dragonfly Artwork

This is a 3D digitally rendered artwork by Australian contemporary artist Di Mathews aka Diavma. Copyright Hexagonal Mandala. This art image is a botanical study of frangipani blooms and an insect illustration.

The Plumeria is a West Indian plant, also known as a Frangipani, which is named after the inventor Marquis Frangipani. As a child My bedroom window overlooked two frangipani trees (a white and pink variety). Then when I married and moved into my new home I took a cutting from each tree and planted them in our garden. They now tower over our front rooms offering shade relief in the hot Australian summer mornings. During the day they are often filled with sparrows flitting around after insects, and at night they often host big green tree frogs. I've noticed it is the time of year to spot dragonfly again. The image shows a mature dragonfly at rest, with its wings typically dropped down flat. They have 4 wings that more as independent pairs. Walking though the grasses at the edge of the quiet sports field in the evening sees dragonflies take flight for safer branches. Their huge eyes seeing up to 5 or 6 meters away. Their bodies are strong and streamlined for flight.

Majestic presence
Weighted wings in breezeless calm
metallic flight machine

Rise and hover still,
suspended hangs above me
eyes unblinking stare

Grumpy green tree frog

Click on image to enlarge.
A green tree frog illustration titled: "When I say Get!" is an artwork by Australian Contemporary Artist Di Mathews aka Diavma. Copyright Hexagonal Mandala.

This is one of the big Green Tree Frogs that frequent my back yard. My favourite species of local frog. Quite friendly they usually doesn’t mind human company, always appearing very brave & dignified. This species amusingly will sit quietly and pose for you to photograph or draw until they tire of the attention, then they will simply turn their back on you as if to inform you that you're dismissed. This particular day the frog decided it had tolerated me long enough and told me in no uncertain terms. After me ignoring his dismissals and continually photographing him he finally stood up tall and then leaped into my long hair, entangling himself and repetitively weeing all over me. My teenage son had to come and untangle him. Looking at the photos and his body language that I captured I should have seen it coming as he gave me warning, I was just so wrapped in what I was doing I did not pay attention to what he was telling me.

They have a bold personality which this image captures well.

In the mythology of many cultures frogs are linked to cleansing, healing and creative powers. The change from egg to tadpole then metamorphosis to frog is often used to symbolise the awakening of ones creativity and recognising one's own power of adaptation. A frog is a symbolic reminder of our own ability to grow and mature when faced with difficult situations. A strong frog population is an indication of a healthy ecology due to their sensitivity to changes and toxins in their environment. Frogs therefore are naturally symbols of a peaceful, harmonious coexistence and interdependence with nature. Frogs because of this sensitivity serve as a strong lesson about our own interdependence within a fragile eco-system. Teaching a connection with the earth and everything on it. Sadly numbers of frogs now seem to be dwindling.

Folk wisdom tells that dreaming of a frog means
good fortune, happiness and great friendships.
May your dreams be filled with frogs...