Saturday, September 09, 2006

Farm Ants



Farm- Illustration Friday Challenge.
(Originally outlined in Micron pen then coloured with colour pencils.)
This week I had several ideas on what to do for the challenge; however, when my partner mentioned the symbiosis or mutualism between an ant and an aphid I knew which direction I was headed!
Seems that ants have a sweet tooth and aphids produce a "honeydew" type of secretion that the ants like. So...the ants protect the aphids and in return they allow them to "milk" them for the "honeydew!" I am a big nature buff and that was new to me. Hope you learned something new as well! Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Can't we all just get along?!"
Thanks for all your comments!
More information on Ants and Aphids here.

15 comments:

valerie walsh said...

this is fun and so well done!

Michelle Lana said...

sweet illo...cute ants!

Jana Bouc said...

This is so fabulous. This is what I had in mind when I did mine. I so admire how you worked it out into an illo that is easily readable, humorous, informational and dramatic. I've really learned a lot about how to take a concept and make it into a great image from looking at yours. Thanks for the inspiration!

Loni Edwards said...

Excellent! What a great interpretation of the theme. Thank you for the information. I had no idea of this symbiotic relationship.

Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said...

Strange but cool! The facts are strange, the illustraton is cool!

steve said...

Lovely drawing here! i too am a nature buff and find this great tidbit of info fascinating.

Debbie said...

This is just great! A wonderful illo and an education at the same time! Thanks for your comment! I do love our farm and wouldn't trade the debt and all the work for anything! I love the animals and the earth.

Andrea said...

i love your drawing ... but i hate ants ...

carla said...

That's fascinating! I love learning about the interdependencies in nature. These are wonderful drawings, too! your ants looks so industrious on their farm:>

Gina Cuff said...

Yes, I have learned something new.:) Thanks for the info! And I love your illustration as well!
~Gina

Ami Blackford said...

This is GREAT! Love your sense of humor!
-justin

Ian T. said...

This is just darling - lovely concept and execution. (Nothing from me this week.)

Kay Aker said...

Such a clever take on the topic! You dig up the coolest facts! Fun illo!

Tonje said...

very nice illo... cool ants.

Ester Wilson said...

wow, this is fun to learn something new along with seeing you great drawing. I knew ants and aphids hung out together, but never knew why.

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I'm a professional artist, a wife, a step-mother, grand-mother, friend, Ms. Fix-it, older sister and a daughter. A regular "person in progress!" Oh yah, and I draw alot! Copyright 2010-2012.

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