The iguana that inspired Iguana Study 1 was photographed 2004 in between Molly Malones and Red Hook Dive Center, Red Hook, American Yacht Harbour, ST Thomas US Virgin Islands. My brother-in-law was tending bar there, and while we were visiting the staff went out to feed them the left over food. I spent at least 30 minutes photographing the iguanas munching on their lunch. This particular iguana got really tired of me following him around and climbed onto a branch in the bushes. Although, he was further than the others, it was his profile that inspired me to paint him. It took me 5 years to get the courage to try and paint him. I had never painted anything with so much detail. This exploration began as a challenge to test my skills as a painter, and to see if I could portray the island’s species that had inspired me for all these years.
Any questions you can reach me at pauleneedwards@yahoo.ca
I initially started out painting him in his original colours, but eventually the Caribbean blues were added and created a more dynamic image with great contrast. The bright blues were chosen as they are reminiscent of the Caribbean sea and bring the subject matter to life. I feel a strong spiritual connection to ST Thomas and the Caribbean Sea. The Island and the beautiful water bring me peace and tranquility; nothing I have ever felt any where else on earth. It is where I go to get re-energized. So, this painting as well as all the Caribbean paintings bring me peace and joy and connect me to the Caribbean when I am not there.
Iguana Study 1 is a 20″ x 24″ Acrylic 3/4″ stretched canvas painting. Original is available for sale as well as GiClee reproductions on Unstreched, 3/4″ and 1 3/4″ Canvas of various dimensions.
Presently, there is a 12″ X 16″ GiClee reproduction on un-stretched canvas with 3″ white border available for $150.00 (plus shipping). Please contact me at pauleneedwards@yahoo.ca if you have any inquiries.