“The Garden Caravan” by Ashley Wittling

Ashley Wittling is a watercolor and mixed media artist from Wisconsin. She is inspired by old master works, fairy tales, and mythology.

“The Garden Caravan” (2023) 8” x 10” Watercolor, gouache, and oil by Ashley Wittling • From the artist: “Every living organism plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth no matter how small they are. Snails are natural decomposers, breaking down dead plant and animal matter and reintroducing nutrients back to the soil. This process is essential for maintaining fertility and supporting growth of new plants. Through this process, they also spread seeds by consuming and depositing them elsewhere. This can aid in establishing new plant populations. My painting, ‘The Garden Caravan,’ illustrates a small ecosystem and the importance small creatures play in order for our planet to thrive.”