Original watercolor 11.5x15" (unframed) 2025
 
This piece is inspired by Florida's at-risk habitats where this threatened species makes it's home. They are a keystone species for their ability to dig burrows that hundreds of other animals and insects make their homes in. Their diet consists of many different plants, including grasses, fruits and flowers. The Gopher Apple is a native herbaceous plant with low-laying fruit that are eaten by tortoises, and bears it's name, so I had to include it!
 
The major threat to Gopher Tortoises is over-development and urban sprawl into natural areas. By law, tortoises must be moved before construction begins, but their chances of survival once moved is low, and the number of suitable places to move them to is dwindling. Preventing development of their habitat in the first place is the best way to conserve them. 
 
Reference photo for the gopher tortoise (used with permission) is by John Sullivan. References for the gopher apples were photographed at Lakeside Sand Pine Preserve in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
 
Check out this blog post for process pics: https://www.kimheise.com/post/process-of-several-art-projects-2025