Day 6 - Red Rattlebox Close Up

The red rattlebox intrigues me. So, tonight instead of painting another landscape, I'm painting a close up. First, I must clarify that on the Red Creek, I don't usually get close to things that rattle. I've had my experience with a rattlesnake on the creek, and once is enough. I have learned to proceed with caution.

Sesbania punicea is the scientific name for the red rattlebox. It is a low growing shrub with seed pods that sometimes cause the rattling sound. It blooms with red orange flowers from June to September. Did I also mention that snakes seem to blossom at this time of year? I have only seen the rattlebox in June on Red Creek, but then again I usually start teaching summer classes in July.

"Red Rattlebox Up Close", oil painting, 6" x 6"