While exploring one of my favorite hill towns in Umbria, Italy, I came across a small moth resting in a sunlit stairway. It stayed still long enough for me to really see it—its inky black wings patterned with bright white spots, glowing in the warmth of the stone. I’d been to that town before, but never for so long, and this trip felt different. I found myself waking early just to wander, trying to soak in every moment before it slipped away. This moth became a symbol of that time for me—of being present, curious, and awake to beauty.
Amata phegea. Native to southern and central Europe; easily recognized by its dark wings marked with nine white spots and a vibrant blue-black body. Often mistaken for a butterfly, this day-flying moth is commonly seen in sunny meadows and historic stone towns across Italy.
About the Golden Halo Collection:
Each miniature painting celebrates light, resilience, and the quiet wonder found in nature’s details. Watercolor, gold ink, and acrylic medium combine to form delicate studies of flora and fauna—butterflies, moths, and wildflowers—that invite us to pause, notice, and be restored by nature’s beauty.
Born from a desire to slow down and reconnect, Golden Halo continues my exploration of stillness and renewal through the natural world. Every piece reflects my belief that beauty can be found in even the smallest subjects—each framed by a radiant circle of gold, symbolizing the light that endures within and around us.
Details:
Medium: Watercolor and gold ink on paper, coated with acrylic medium
