When I decided to make another linocut after the Japanese maple leaf one, I once again fell to the pleasure of my box turtle friends. I recently determined that there are actually 2, if not three Mr. Turtles wandering my flower beds. I knew for sure that I had at least two when I was able to definitely identify two separate shell patterns. One had the markings more splotchy and melded together than the other, which had rather distinct stripes. There was a size difference too.
I think the one depicted here is Mr. Turtle Jr. with the slashy stripes. Mr. Turtle Sr. is quite a bit bigger. and has the more muddled markings.
Mr. Turtle III is marked with a combination of the two others. Also, his size just seemed to be off of what I recalled of the other two. Smaller maybe and he seemed to be leerier of me than the others, pulling himself inside his shell when I approached. The others just kind of look up at me and stay out as long as I don’t try to pick them up. Whatever. He will get to know I mean him no harm if He continues to visit.
Jul 18, 2018 @ 10:13:16
How fun to have a turtle in your flower beds! I hope Mr. Turtle III comes around and is more social. I like your linocut of Mr. Turtle Jr. You must really enjoy creating all this interesting artwork of things and places in your life.
Jul 18, 2018 @ 15:49:07
I do, Des. But the architecturals are most special for me. I always look forward to seeing any of my Mr. Turtles. LOL
Jul 19, 2018 @ 00:44:52
I can see why…your architecturals appeal the most to me as well. It’s been fun to have seen a couple of them from the original sketches!