frogs - Art of Angela DeRiso

Update on “Squirt”

Squirt has been somewhat inactive during this winter. He has eaten very little and lost some of his previous weight. This is actually pretty normal for toads during this season, but it still concerned me. Having a pet that refuses food for more than a month or two isn’t something I’m used to. I’m still learning with him though, so it’s experience.

The above photo was taken during one of his nightly feedings. Don’t remember if I put waxworms or mealworms in the food dish, but he sat there like a very civilized toad eating dinner.

He has grown significantly since the first day I encountered him. At last measurement, he was 2″ from snout tip to vent. I’m still not sure what sex he is. He does appear to have “nuptial pads” on his front feet, which is a trait of males. But I’m not sure. Male Southern toads are said to have dark throats, which Squirt doesn’t have. I’m not clear on whether or not that is a coloration that appears only during mating season and then fades for the rest of the year. I know males are a bit smaller than females also, and I’m guessing the females are the record holders for the 4″ adult size.

Like most toads, he doesn’t much care for handling. If I have to soak him, or feed him certain types of live food, I handle him as gently as I can. We do have a routine, and I think on some level he understands that him coming out of his tank means either food or soaking. Of course, he isn’t always agreeable. I can’t blame him.

Sometimes he is pretty calm if I just leave my hand steady in one place, and stay very still. He has on occasion walked around on my drafting table and had a look around. I feel he deserves a chance to explore a little, and at some point I’d like to set up a better habitat for him. I would like to have live plants to add a more natural feel for him.

I need more room to add a bigger tank, and right now I just don’t have it. Sometimes I’m not sure if he wants to move around too much because of his handicap. I see other toad tanks people have set up, and I feel envious. I want to make sure Squirt is comfortable however he is housed and fed. Just want to do the best I can.

February 3, 2015 by Angela DeRiso Categories: petsTags: amphibians, frogs, pet toad, pets, southern toad, toads Leave a comment

Dart Frog Collection

It’s only November but Xmas is around the corner, and I have it in mind to offer some items for a Holiday Sale. Mostly concerning smaller artworks, both finished or yet to be commissioned. I’m going to start with a collection I’ve had on hand since 2013.

I did a series of drawings of a few very colorful Poison Dart Frog species on small pieces of pastel paper. They are signed by me, ad dated by year, and the species name is listed on the back of each drawing. They aren’t framed, but don’t let that deter you from taking any of them home. These frogs are charming, and I’m only asking $40.00 for each piece. If you buy multiple piece, I will give a discount of 20%.

They are currently in clear plastic sleeves to protect them until you find a frame for them.

Here are some photos of the set, and closeups.

The measurements are roughly 6.5″ x 9″ for each piece.

If they require shipping, those charges will apply. They will be shipped in a non-bendable mailer with padding to protect them during shipment.

I have other items I will be listing for sale during this Holiday season, so please check back for more! Don’t hesitate to send an email!

November 17, 2014November 18, 2014 by Angela DeRiso Categories: colored pencils, wildlifeTags: amphibians, art, dart frog, frogs, gifts, hobby, original artwork, poison dart Leave a comment

New Color Pencil Works, and Recent Commission

I’ve been working with color pencils alot lately, basically amping up my portfolio, and to add new listings to my Etsy shop. Most of it is wildlife oriented, while I did have a recent fantasy themed commission in the last two months.

The commission was for a wedding gift, couple-themed. I worked with the client, doing several loose sketches before we decided which he wanted, and then sculpting began. The concept was of a dragon kissing a bunny coming out of a top hat. I had everything sculpted, but hit a snag when the dragon’s neck drooped a little to far down during baking. That meant re-sculpting the top hat, and making a base for the dragon so that the dragon and bunny met nose to nose. I came up with the idea to create a flower design as a base for both instead, and okayed it with the client. I sculpted the top hat inside the center of the flower, and made one petal thicker to hold the weight of the dragon and also have him at the right height to meet the bunny properly.

After a few weeks of sculpting, and then completing the paint job, this was the final result. My client was very pleased with how it turned out, and I was happy to take the challenge and create a great gift.

The color pencils works are recent, and I plan to have small prints and cards made from them. I will update here when they become available.

“Mallard Colors”