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Flora & Fauna – Page 2 – Bill Swartwout Photography

A Cat in a Fishbowl

Now the kitty knows what it’s like to be the goldfish.

Cats are curious creatures, and cats in the wild often enjoy playing with whatever catches their attention. But when it comes to domestic cats, sometimes they take that curiosity a little too far.

Cats have a natural instinct to hunt, and they are often drawn to small moving objects. Some cats may be attracted to fish bowls and aquaria (fishbowl – aquarium) because of the movement of the fish inside.

cat in a fishbowl or a fish bowl
Cat in a Fishbowl with transparent edges – great for T-shirts and home decor items.

In the “cartoon” image above, the cat has evidently changed places with the fish, presumably a goldfish, by being inside the fishbowl. He (she?) should have chosen an actual aquarium – because it might have provided bit more room.

cat in a fishbowl
Cat in a Fishbowl – full rectangular image for wall art and home decor items.

Now the cat knows what it’s like to “be” the goldfish. From predator to prey, curiosity and all that, right?

Perhaps you would like this as a small print for a child’s room or, perhaps, in your home or office as a conversation piece. Click one of the images above or one of the gallery links below for more information or to shop.

Link to: Cat in the Fish Bowl at Fine Art America.
Link to: Cat in the Fish Bowl at Pictorem.
Link to: Bill’s Redbubble store for T-shirts and more with this design.


The Head of a Sunflower

Sunflowers are an iconic symbol of summer, bright and beautiful – and more.

sunflower greeting the morning sun

A sunflower’s sunny yellow petals seem to beam out a message of joy and happiness. But have you ever considered what lies at the heart of this flower? The head of a sunflower is a complex structure that plays an important role in the growth and life cycle of the plant. It is also remarkable for its intricate design and adaptability to different conditions. What lies inside the sunflower head are features that make it a uniquely incredible structure.

What exactly is the Sunflower Head?

The sunflower head is actually made up of many individual flowers. It is a pseudanthium, or flowerhead, consisting of many tiny flowers arranged in spirals around a central disk, with each flower facing outward. The disk is made up of the flower base, which includes a stalk and a peduncle. The flowers themselves consist of five petals and an outer ring of many toothed ray florets. Each petal has a green bottom half with a white top half. At the center of each petal, there is a dark brown to blackish spot. The only “downside” is that the flower has a fetid smell. At the base of the flower are five stamens with anthers that are yellow or white and hair-tipped. They are longer than the filaments. The fruit (the seed) is a follicle with five valves.

Sunflower seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, hidden inside the head of a sunflower. Not only are they rich in healthy fats and vitamins, but they are also a great source of edible oil. Sunflower seed oil is full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants that can help improve overall health. As an added bonus, this oil has a light flavor that won’t overpower the taste of your favorite foods.

sunflower face in detail
Face of a Sunflower

The most common type of sunflower seed used for extractable oil is black-oil sunflowers. These seeds have thinner shells than other varieties and produce up to 40% more oil per pound than any other type of seed available on the market today. The high yield makes them ideal for commercial production and use in processed foods such as crackers, chips, breads, cookies, sauces and dressings.

sunflower lost in the crowd
A sunflower lost in a crowd of sunflowers.

A sunflower is truly a work of art.

Each individual flower has its own stem and petals, though they are much smaller than traditional blooms. The center floret is larger than those around it and provides the famous yellow disc that we’ve come to associate with sunflowers. Every other floret produces a small black seed surrounded by thin bristles that help disperse the seeds when ripe and ready for sowing. It’s truly fascinating how Mother Nature can create such magnificent works of art!

Each sunflower image can be “clicked” to see more detail or you can click a link below to see even more choices…

Link to: Bill’s Sunflower Power Wall Art Collection

Link to: Bill’s Fine Art America Gallery

field of sunflowers
Field of Sunflowers on a farm near Roxanna, Delaware

Bill Swartwout Photography Special

Shop with a Courtesy Discount for wall art and save some money.

Browse the Bill Swartwout Photography’s gallery of unique landscapes/seascapes for your home and order now for a Courtesy Discount with code: JVETTE.

Bill Swartwout Photography Most Popular Images
Bill Swartwout Photography’s Most Popular Images.

Shop Here: the Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery