About the Texas Horned Lizard Drawing
I grew up in Texas finding Texas Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) regularly, even in my own backyard. Their broad bodies, crown of horns, and ability to camouflage themselves made them some of the most memorable reptiles of my childhood. By the time I was about twenty, however, they had essentially vanished from the surrounding area.
Their decline likely resulted from a combination of factors, including habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticide use, declines in native harvester ants, the spread of red imported fire ants, and potentially collection for the pet trade. The species is now listed as threatened in Texas. In Texas Royalty, I wanted to celebrate both the almost regal appearance of this small, but iconic lizard and the sense of loss that comes from remembering when it was still common.
The close composition and graphite detail emphasize the large, watchful eye, overlapping scales, and crown-like horns that give the animal its unmistakable form. Texas Royalty is a graphite pencil wildlife drawing by Michael E. Dorcas for Tantilla Art.