CHAMELEONS
May- June 2024
I experimented so much with these chameleon mugs! For the first time I colored the backgrounds with underglaze and engobe. I learned that is not my favorites technique. I prefer my drippy glaze backgrounds instead. I also clear glazed all of the paintings. If you’ve been around for a while you know I usually don’t clear glaze my paintings. This time around I decided to chance it and I’m glad I did because the little scale details contrasted. I adorned the edges of the branches with leaf applique, giving the mugs a 3d texture.
Along with the chameleons I created a nepenthes tea set. Nepenthes are pitcher plant carnivorous plants. You can see them on many of the chameleon mugs as well. I haven’t made a teapot in 5 years, so I guess it’s like riding a bike!
Here are some facts I learned about chameleons while painting-
The longest chameleon in the world is Parson’s chameleon, which may grow up to 69.5 cm (about 27 inches) long. On the other hand, the world’s shortest chameleon, the male nano-chameleon (Brookesia nana), can be as small as 21.6 mm (about 0.9 inch) long.
Each species is capable of color change. The mechanism involves the dispersal or concentration of pigment granules. These cells are under the control of the autonomic nervous system. Color change is determined by such environmental factors as light and temperature as well as by emotions.
The lens of a chameleon’s eye is capable of focusing extremely rapidly, and it can enlarge visual images much like a telephoto lens.
Chameleon’s eyes move independently. One eye can be looking at its food as it eats while the other eye is on lookout for predators.
Their eyes provide them with 360-degree vision, allowing them to be aware of their surroundings without needing to turn their heads.
Chameleons have exceptional vision when it comes to detecting light within the visible spectrum. Their eyes possess photoreceptors called cones that allow them to perceive colors and distinguish between different hues. This unique ability helps chameleons identify potential prey, mates, and threats in their surroundings, enhancing their situational awareness and aiding in their survival. Chameleons can also see ultraviolet light.
Chameleons can launch their tongues at great speed to a distance of more than twice their body length, and they can strike and capture their prey with great accuracy.
Once the prey is in range, the chameleon coils its tongue into a tight spiral, building up potential energy. When the tongue is released, the stored energy is quickly transferred to the tongue, propelling it forward at incredible speeds.
As the tongue makes contact with the prey, the mucus on the tongue adheres to the surface, creating a tight seal.
Most chameleon species lay eggs, but others bear their young without a placenta.
About half of the species occur only in Madagascar, whereas others occur mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Two species occur in Asia; one is native to southern India and Sri Lanka, and the other is found from the Middle East to southern Spain.
Chameleons have uniquely shaped feet that allow them to grasp and climb with ease. Their toes are arranged into opposing groups that allow them to firmly grip branches and other surfaces. The toes are split into two bundles, with three toes on one side and two on the other.