Carnivorous Elegance on Dusky Canvas emerges from my exploration of nature's duality—a flower that's both fragile and fierce. This artwork is a compact 11" x 14", utilizing gouache on a wood panel, where shadows and light converse on a black gouache ground.

The composition centers on a large, white-petaled flower tinged with green, standing out starkly against a deep, dark backdrop. The flower's details are meticulously crafted, with visible stamens that draw the viewer in. Two unopened buds accompany the central bloom, hinting at potential and growth.

This piece is inspired by the Venus Fly Trap—a carnivore in a botanical guise. This tension between its delicate beauty and predatory nature is something I sought to capture. The veins of dark lines that weave through the background add layers, suggesting depth and contrast, akin to the plant's complexity.

Creating this artwork on a black base posed an intriguing challenge. It was a dance of layering and carving, uncovering shadows and crafting depth with each stroke. The process felt akin to sculpting—revealing shape and substance beneath the surface.

Carnivorous Elegance on Dusky Canvas is a testament to this natural paradox. A celebration of the Venus Fly Trap's elegance, it reflects the silent dance of vulnerability and strength.