The Ways of the Chameleon

Mar 7, 2021 | Reptiles

chameleon, reptile, panther chameleon, furcifer pardalis, madagascar, chameleon art, prehensile tail, independent eyesight, 360 degree vision, swivel eyes, color changing, lizard, lizard art, lizard print, reptile art, herpetology, nature art, nature print, whimsical, art for kids, biological art, scientific illustration, tropical forest, mandala, conservation, wildlife, biodiversity, botany, biology, zoology, ecology, home décor, home decoration, fine art, wall art

In my long art career I have been a chameleon of sorts able to change colors and spots to suit my situation and interests: medical art, flame painting, visual puns, and nature mandalas. And like chameleons with a prehensile tail I tend to hold on to things with a passion for the long haul. My eyes are also independently mobile looking near and far at the same time while staying in the moment for the things that bring me fun and joy. So I offer this next mandala as homage to all things “Chameleon.” Here’s to looking at each of you (and look closely at this mandala because the chameleons’ eyes are watching you and everything around them too).

  • Adding some fun and whimsy to this mandala 3 different directional chameleon eyes were created: straight on, partially rotated, and fully rotated so that the chameleons can all be watching each other and YOU!

  • The chameleon’s head and body were created as outlines and the limbs also were outlined and created separately for future repositioning. Painting with bright colors is applied in an airbrushed manner on different layers.

  • A dot pattern was made and is added for texture to the head, body and limbs separately. The eye position is prepared for final eye placement. The lips are added. Some shadow accents are added under the lips, behind the head and behind the limbs.

  • More patterns are added to the head, body, and tail and a red highlighted spiky spine is added to the back. A beaded dot ridge is added to the head. This red panther chameleon is ready for placing in the mandala.

  • After trial and error with a few different jungle plant leaves I had created in the past I chose some fern fronds and applied them as 8 elements @ 45 degrees on a yellow background.

  • Chameleon close of rotational eyes

    Here is a closeup of the middle of the mandala showing chameleon eyes looking in different directions.

Panther chameleons of Madagascar, Furcifer pardalis, are known for the ability to change their patterns and colors to blend in with their surroundings. Dominant colors like red and green are tied also to their individual geographic locations. Their prehensile tails allow them to snatch onto and hang from branches as if they had a 3rd hind foot. Their mobile eyes swivel independently allowing chameleons see their entire surroundings all at once. Prints of this mandala are available in my shop.