The Sentinel

Description

It was my intention to do a painting, very detailed and precise, of the green iguana but somehow the river just muscled its way onto my canvas, having no respect for how I wanted it to go but then, rivers do that. They are disrespectful of limits and barriers. So it was that my iguana picture ended up being about a river, the Belize River where it joins with Banana Bank. The name Banana Bank is in fact, in reference to the bank of a river, not a bank to keep money.

Then the sky became jealous and insisted on having equal space. The sky is such a show off, flaunting garish color and demanding attention while all the while, letting the sun do the work. The jungle insisted in at least a supporting role in the drama which left precious little space for the afore intended star of the show, the green iguana.

Quietly and with little distinction except in the mating season when the males turn bright orange, the iguana clings to the trees along the river, watching and observing the ebb and flow of life in the water, the sky and the land. Like a sentinel standing watch, it is to his advantage for safety, to go unnoticed, and blend into the scenery.