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Pomegranates, Walnuts, and a Birding Swallowtail: Finishing My Swallowtail Butterfly Painting Series

by In Monthly Miniature Tagged , , , ,

oil on copper, 4.5 x 5.5

Making oil paintings is slow, thoughtful work. Before my brush ever touches a copper panel, the process involves weeks of gathering inspiration, researching, photographing references, creating digital mock-ups, and preparing my surface.

In an age of instant AI-generated artwork, I see the value in slowing down. Painters have faced similar upheavals since the invention of photography—and yet painting endures. I believe there’s a reason: nothing replaces the depth and intimacy of handmade art.

pomegranate walnuts and butterfly still life oil painting by Rebecca Luncan in progress

A Series Two Years in the Making

This month marks a milestone: the twelfth and final piece in my Swallowtail Butterfly Painting Series. Over the past two years, my “monthly” miniatures have been more “bi-monthly” miniatures as I navigate life with a new member of the family. Even with all the chaos of going through pregenancy and having a demanding infant I’m the primary caregiver for, I’ve somehow completed one painting after another, each pairing a swallowtail species with unique botanical elements. This final work celebrates not just the butterfly but the joy of slow, intentional living.

Slow Food, Slow Art

To highlight that theme, I included two of my favorite “slow foods”: pomegranates and walnuts. Sure, you can buy them prepped and packaged. But if you’ve ever cracked a walnut or dug out the seeds from a pomegranate, you know the quiet satisfaction that comes from doing it yourself.

The same can be said for painting. My work takes time—and that time adds flavor.

Featuring the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing

still life oill painitng pomegranate walnuts and birdwing swallowtail butterfly framed by Rebecca Luncan

This painting features a male Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing butterfly, part of the Papilionidae family (which includes all swallowtails). These dazzling creatures are native to rainforests across Southeast Asia and have a wingspan of up to 6.5 inches. Their vivid green-and-black coloring makes them look like flying stained glass. In fact, they’re so large they’re often mistaken for birds—hence the name “birdwing.”

What Comes After the Swallowtails?

The past year brought big changes—especially having a one-year-old at home. Time for painting has been more limited, and I’ve learned to be gentle with myself and realistic with my goals.

So instead of monthly miniatures, my next project will ofically unfold as bi-monthly miniature paintings throughout 2025 and 2026. I’ve been deep in the planning stage—sketching, researching, and refining ideas—and I’m almost ready to begin.

Thank you for following along on this journey. I hope you’ll continue with me as the next series takes flight.

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Introducing Artist Joey Bates

by In Inspiration

I’m thrilled to introduce you to a dear friend and incredibly talented artist, Joey Bates, who has recently taken on the Monthly Miniature challenge alongside me. Joey and I first met years ago in Seattle at a weekly open studio co-hosted by artist Tim Marsden and myself. Though Joey now lives in Sweden, we’ve been able to rekindle that creative exchange through Signal, thanks to a fellow artist and mutual friend, Susan Lewandowski.

This month, Joey and I decided to take on a shared theme: dragonflies. Scroll down to see his November miniature—a stunningly intricate cut-paper dragonfly that showcases his signature precision and attention to detail.

If you’re not yet familiar with Joey’s work, I can’t recommend it highly enough. His pieces are thoughtful, beautiful, and quietly powerful. I’m so excited to see where the Monthly Miniature journey takes him, and I hope you’ll follow along too.

You can contact Joey directly to inquire about purchasing this piece, sign up for his newsletter to stay updated on new work, and be sure to check out his brand-new flower shop that just opened!

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Dragonfly, Butterfly, and Columbine

by In Monthly Miniature

As November’s chill settles in and the leaves skitter around outside, I’m bringing a little warmth to the season with a new monthly miniature painting—a composition drawn from memories of summer in the garden.

Sixteen years ago, I transformed our quarter-acre lawn into a terraced garden. It’s become a haven for life— fruit trees, hundreds of flowers, a vegetable patch, dragonflies from nearby Lake Stickney, and a revolving door of pollinators and birds. On any sunny day, it feels like stepping into a living still life.

With such abundance to choose from, selecting elements for this painting was like plucking gems from a tree. I take hundreds of flower photos each season, and my husband and I photograph insects and birds whenever we can. But combining them into a single harmonious composition isn’t always as simple as it sounds.

This painting had been on my mind since May. I sketched dozens of versions—none of them quite right. But as often happens in the creative process, the pieces churned quietly in the background until, months later, everything finally clicked. It’s always a little mysterious—and always a surprise when it happens that way.

in progress still life painting of dragondly butterfly and columbine by Rebecca Luncan

A Conversation with the Past

If you’re a fan of art history, you might see echoes of Jan van Kessel in this piece. His jewel-like insect, shell, and flower studies have long inspired me. There’s even a tiny beetle in my painting copied directly from one of his works. He painted that little fellow more than once, and placing him among my own subjects feels like a quiet conversation across centuries. Art has a beautiful way of collapsing time like that.

The composition may feel like a snapshot of spring, but it’s arriving in November, as I hunker down in my chilly carport-turned-studio, space heater blazing, dreaming of radiant blooms and buzzing wings. One day we’ll get around to insulating the concrete floor. Till then, I have dreams of warmth and one very hot left leg.

As we head into the holidays, I hope this piece brings a little color and warmth your way. May you find joy in small things and inspiration in unexpected places.

Wishing you a cozy Thanksgiving.

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Pears and the Emerald Swallowtail

by In Monthly Miniature Tagged , , , , , , ,

This month’s monthly miniature marks the welcome return of my pear harvest—and the chance to feature one of my favorite fruits in a painting once again. For years, our tree produced more pears than we knew what to do with, sometimes into the thousands. But after several seasons of low yields, I was thrilled to gather around 200 this fall. It felt like reconnecting with an old friend.

I originally planned to paint a western tiger swallowtail I spotted on a fallen pear in the garden, but as I started working on the composition, I swapped it for an emerald swallowtail. The striking green tones of the emerald suited the palette I had in mind, allowing for a nearly monochromatic background with subtle hits of red and orange. Though the butterfly is native to Southeast Asia, but it’s a popular species in butterfly houses around the world so you may have seen them anywhere you call home.

A Shift in Mood

Pears and Peacock Swallowtail Butterfly still life fruit oil painting by Rebecca Luncan

The creative process behind this piece took an unusual turn for me. I began with a pale cream background—an approach more reminiscent of the sparse still lifes of Jan van Kessel. But halfway through painting, I realized it wasn’t offering the mood I was after. So, I made a rare decision to change direction. I repainted the background dark and added a stone table inspired directly by one of Adriaen Coorte’s compositions. The result is a richer, moodier setting that feels more grounded and contemplative.

This kind of mid-course correction is rare in my practice—because my paintings are so detailed, I typically finalize the composition before I begin painting. But in this case, the shift felt essential.

In progress, Pears and Peacock Swallowtail Butterfly still life fruit oil painting by Rebecca Luncan

From the Studio

Getting this piece finished in time was no small feat. My youngest is starting to walk, we just wrapped up my show at Harris Harvey Gallery, and our home is in full project mode. Life feels full to the brim—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. 💚

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Peter the Brave: A Rabbit Portrait Inspired by Dutch Masterworks

by In Pet Portrait Tagged , , , , ,

This is Peter.

“He’s a very special boy, he is very gentle and loves people and is missing an ear and back foot from being attacked when he was a baby. I bottle-fed him and raised him for the last nine years. I feel like you are the perfect person to capture my sweet boy.”
— Maryel, Peter’s person

Maryel’s words say it all. I thought of him as “Peter the Brave” the entire time I was painting his portrait, and it felt right for the title of the painting to reflect that. Most rabbits wouldn’t survive a trauma like his—rabbits can die just from shock. But Peter did. He’s a gentle spirit with a good strong heart.

A Quiet Tribute in the Dutch Tradition

Peter’s portrait was painted in oil on aluminum, just 4 x 4 inches. The soft, greenish-grey background gently fades into darkness—a quiet, moody space inspired by Dutch Golden Age portraiture. That compositional style, with its dramatic lighting and deep shadows, felt like the right way to honor such a dignified little soul.

Painting rabbits isn’t something I get to do often, though I’m always thrilled when I do. I grew up with rabbits myself, and earlier this year I said goodbye to my own English Spot, Harriet—who, coincidentally, looked a lot like Peter. When a prey animal like a rabbit learns to trust and love you, it’s no small thing. That relationship becomes something rare and deeply meaningful.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you, Maryel, for trusting me with Peter’s portrait. It was a joy to spend time with him through paint, and I hope the finished piece brings you comfort and joy for many years to come.

If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait, I’d love to work with you. Click here to learn more, and feel free to reach out with questions.

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The Cuban Cattlehearts and the Mum

by In Monthly Miniature Tagged , , , , ,

After a nearly yearlong hiatus, I’m thrilled to return to my Monthly Miniature tradition! Not coincidentally, my son just celebrated his first birthday. Over the past year, my limited studio time has been devoted to commissions and preparing a body of work for exhibition at Harris Harvey Gallery (open now — more on that soon).

Even while busy, I’ve deeply missed the Monthly Miniature series. It’s been a creative anchor for me — a way to share new ideas and connect with you. Having that regular rhythm to shape and develop my work is something I’m grateful to have again.

Revisiting an Idea with New Perspective

This month’s miniature, “Cuban Cattlehearts and the Mum,” builds on a painting I created last year, “Common Rose Swallowtail and the Mum” (see below). Though the compositions and subjects are similar, the mood of each piece is quite different.

The Cuban Cattlehearts and the Mum still life oil painting on copper by Rebecca Luncan
Swallowtail butterfly and Mum oil painting still life by Rebecca Luncan

Following my ongoing study of historical still life painting, I drew inspiration for this work from:

In this piece, I wanted to intentionally explore the effect of background color — trading the darker background for a lighter one. Though it’s a simple shift, this kind of experimentation helps me better understand how mood, meaning, and composition work together in my paintings. Interestingly, having a few elements well defined actually gives me more freedom to respond to all the unexpected decisions that arise while creating.

Looking Ahead

Usually, I have a list of ideas waiting in the wings for the next miniature. Right now, I’m embracing the unknown — taking some quiet moments to reflect on the new work at the gallery and imagine where this journey might lead next.

I hope this post finds you well, and that you enjoy the new painting! Fingers crossed you’ll hear from me again soon. Until then, enjoy the last of the warm weather if you can, and take time to notice the small wonders outdoors.

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Recent Still Life: Exhibition in Seattle

by In Exhibition Tagged , , , , ,

I’m thrilled to share that I will have paintings on view at Harris Harvey Gallery from September 5 – 28, 2024. I’ve been working on getting ready for the show for a while and it’s wonderful to finally see it come together. Please go the gallery website to see what is still available.

Artist Statement about the Paintings on View

I paint objects of intimate familiarity—fruits and florals from my garden, objects handled in my time as a mount maker for Seattle Art Museum—in compositions inspired by the Dutch Golden Age. Much as the Dutch masters would compose seasonal impossibilities, I bring together inspirations separated by time, space and tradition. My work is a reach for a childhood of birds’ nests and frogs, a longing to grasp that wonderment yet reconcile with isolation and loss. It is a meditation on the comings and goings of life, the closeness and distance to kin of all kinds.

Western Tiger Swallowtail and Parrot Tulip botanical still life painting by Rebecca Luncan
Western Tiger Swallowtail and Parrot Tulip, oil on copper, 5.5 x 4.5″
Broken Tulip and Bee, oil on copper, 6.5 x 5.5 in
Asian Pears and Peaches on Lacquer Tray, oil on copper, 20 x 24 in
fruit still life oil painting on copper by Rebecca Luncan
Plums and Swallowtails, oil on copper, 16 x 20 in
still life oil painting on aluminum of Figs and Cheese, Robin, flower and celadon dragon vase by Rebecca Luncan
Figs and Cheese with Celadon Dragon Vase, oil on aluminum, 10 x 8 in
Four Tulips and a Yellow Rose, oil on aluminum, 14 x 11 in
Mum, Butterfly and the Spider, oil on aluminum, 17 x 12 in
Spider mum oil painting with snail and bee by Rebecca Luncan
Spider Mum, Bee and Snail, oil on aluminum, 17 x 12 in
Blackberries and the Indigo Bunting, oil on copper, 12 x 12 in
Yellow Tulip and Monarch Butterfly, oil painting on aluminum, by Rebecca Luncan
Yellow Tulip and Monarch Butterfly, oil on aluminum, 7 x 6 in
Fiji Papilio swallowtail butterfly oil painting
Fiji Papilio Swallowtail, oil on copper, 4.5 x 5.5 in
Rebecca Luncan with family in painting studio
The artist in the studio with her two sons
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Back in the Studio

by In Monthly Miniature Tagged , , , , ,

After a brief hiatus to welcome our newest family member, I’m thrilled to be painting again. I had optimistically hoped for pockets of studio time during those first three months with Elliot, but between the sleepless nights and an unfinished kitchen remodel, painting just wasn’t in the cards. These days, I paint when the baby nap and I’m reminded how good it feels to be back at the easel.

A Remarkable Discovery

This new piece features the Fiji Papilio swallowtail, a butterfly with a story as striking as its wings. Native to the island of Vanua Levu, this brilliantly patterned butterfly somehow managed to escape scientific recognition until just a few years ago—a fact that still astonishes researchers.

The butterfly was first photographed in 2017 by ornithologist Gregg Kerr, who was in Fiji as an instructor with Operation Wallacea, a foundation that supports student-led scientific expeditions. Though birds were his focus, Kerr noticed and documented a butterfly so unusual that when he shared the images, some experts suspected a hoax.

Naming the Natewa Swallowtail

The mystery caught the attention of the Swallowtail and Birdwing Butterfly Trust, which dispatched entomologists John Tennent and Richard Markham to investigate. Their fieldwork led to the formal identification and classification of the new species, which they named the Natewa Swallowtail.

Though Tennent has described over 100 new species and subspecies of butterflies in his career, he called this one “easily the most spectacular.” As he put it, “For such an unusual and large new butterfly to be discovered somewhere we thought was so well known is remarkable.”

Fiji Papilio swallowtail still life painting with plums and raspberries by Rebecca Luncan

Painting the Wonder

It’s always a privilege to paint something with such natural beauty—and even more so when its backstory is filled with wonder. This swallowtail is a reminder of how there are still remarkable discoveries to be made, waiting just off the path.

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Bichon Portrait Painting: The Beloved Sami

by In Commission, Memorial Pet Portrait, Pet Portrait Tagged , , , , ,

Sami the Beloved Bichon, oil on aluminum, 8″ x 8″

All of my pet portraits are special, but this Bichon portrait painting reminded me why I always keep room in my schedule for them. Even with just a few words—or brushstrokes—our love for our animals shines through.

A Joyful Beginning and a Sudden Goodbye

When Kelly first reached out, her enthusiasm for her Bichon Frisé, Sami, was absolutely infectious. I could feel her joy radiating from her email—it was like someone smiling at me through the screen. I instantly knew how deeply she loved Sami and felt honored to be entrusted with her portrait.

Sadly, before the painting was completed, Sami passed away unexpectedly at just seven years old. It was heartbreaking. What began as a joyful commission quickly transformed into a memorial portrait. Our cats, dogs, rabbits—they simply don’t live long enough, and when we lose them too soon, the grief cuts even deeper.

Honoring Sami’s Spirit

It was a privilege to help Kelly honor Sami’s memory in this way. Each brushstroke became a quiet act of remembrance. I wanted to capture not only her likeness, but also the joy and magic that Kelly so clearly saw in her.

“She was truly magic on earth and we miss her every day. Your incredible talent poured into her portrait will be a visual reminder of that bond we shared…”
—Kelly

A Legacy of Love

Kelly has since welcomed a new pup into her life, a doodle named Fi, who never met her big sister Sami—but through this portrait, Sami remains part of their home and hearts.

Bichon portrait painting by Rebecca Luncan

“Our older siblings often leave huge shoes for us to fill. 🐶🐶
@adoodlenamedfi never met her precious older sister Sami, but with the help of the incredible work of @rebeccaluncan, she will never be far from our hearts 🖤”