Sally lightfoot crab – watercolor on 140# Arches coldpress
Sally lightfoot crabs (scientific name: grapsus grapsus) were all over the Galapágos. They really stood out against the rocks unlike the sea lions, iguanas and various birds who all blended in with the local landscape. These crabs screamed, “LOOK AT ME. I’m bright red. How cool am I?”
OK, they didn’t really scream. Crabs can’t scream. But the voices in my head can and that’s what I heard every time I saw them. Do you see why I need meditation/medication? (See previous post.)
These sally’s are all over the rocks. One time I saw a sally lightfoot sitting on an iguana which is how I started singing Ride Sally Ride which was really a misrepresentation of the song Ride Captain Ride by Blood Sweat and Tears. I sang it anyway.
Young Sally Lightfoot Crabs are black or dark brown in color and camouflage well on the black lava coasts of the Galapágos volcanic islands. Adults vary in color, but all are bright red/orange with some yellow and blue. And they were all really cool to look at as they scurried across the rocks.
I miss the Galapágos.
30 comments
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March 20, 2013 at 12:49 pm
nic McLean
I’m really enjoying your tales from Galapagos. This is another great painting of one of the many inhabitants. I hope you’re going to do them all (it may take some time!)
March 20, 2013 at 5:30 pm
Carol King
I hope so. I never thought I’d be painting so many creatures, but there you go. Next up, a blue footed booby.
March 20, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Beth Parker
Very fun, Carol! Great reflection, too! Now that song is going to be stuck in my head all day. 😀
March 20, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Carol King
I really liked the reflection too! Sorry about getting the song stuck in your head.
March 20, 2013 at 2:53 pm
candy7
Sally Lightfoot Crab is gorgeous and now you’ve done it. I’ve got at least three songs stuck in my head – Mustang Sally, Ride Captain Ride and Fly Robin Fly:)
March 20, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Carol King
Hey Candy. I’m very happy you like the painting. And thanks for reminding me of the other song, Mustang Sally!
March 20, 2013 at 3:10 pm
RHCarpenter
I love your representation of this lovely little crab. – they always make me smile. And I thought you were singing, All you wanna do is ride around, Sally; ride, Sally, ride – a blues song but I can’t remember the whole thing or the name! Time for a Google search! There’s also Mustang Sally…
What makes me laugh about all little crabs is when you want up to them and they raise their front claws like, “Back off, buster, I will pinch you so hard!!” ha ha
March 20, 2013 at 5:44 pm
Carol King
Those crabs have to be tough with all the iguanas around. Thanks for your visit and your comment.
March 20, 2013 at 10:50 pm
Padmaja
When we choose to observe such little miracles of life, joy unfolds, the reflection makes it more interesting , beautiful to look at Carol!
April 3, 2013 at 10:21 am
Carol King
Thank you so much Padmaja. I agree that when we choose to observe we can see so much more!
March 21, 2013 at 4:14 pm
hannekekoop
A colourful beauty, Carol, and with a fantastic reflection. Yep, he or she is cool :-). Hope you can go back to the Galapagos soon.
April 3, 2013 at 10:22 am
Carol King
thanks Hanneke. I don’t think I’ll be able to go back there anytime soon, but then again, you never know.
March 21, 2013 at 4:34 pm
joantav
I love the crab and the reflection of the crab!!!! Are these tiny or large? I think it must be really cool to see a bright red crab crawling over the rocks…but then you saw many, many cool creatures there. Thanks for sharing your visit with us.
April 3, 2013 at 10:23 am
Carol King
Hey Joan T. The crabs aren’t gigantic, but they’re not little itty bitty ones either. They really stand out on the rocks. Unlike the iguanas and sea-lions who blend right in with the landscape.
March 23, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Irina
I like crab salad!
April 3, 2013 at 10:23 am
Carol King
LOL! These were not available for salad.
March 24, 2013 at 5:59 am
Linda Halcomb
Carol, The Galapagos! I am so jealous. I love the way you achieved vibrant color in this painting – not only in the crab but also in the reflection. Very powerful. Lovely work as always.
April 3, 2013 at 10:24 am
Carol King
thanks very much Linda. and thanks for your visit.
March 25, 2013 at 12:25 am
napabelle
Oh!!! He is the coolest! I LOVE your colors and how you did his reflection!! Fun !
April 3, 2013 at 10:24 am
Carol King
It was fun Isabelle. I may try him again with more colors.
March 25, 2013 at 7:57 am
Cathyann Burgess
I hear a symphony….see a series being born. This is exciting to see happen from your trip. Makes me want to go there, too. Love your fun stories, Carol.
April 3, 2013 at 10:25 am
Carol King
Cathyann I think you would love it there. We had such an amazing time we’re STILL talking about it.
March 25, 2013 at 2:37 pm
lesliepaints
Love this crab!
April 3, 2013 at 10:51 am
Carol King
thanks!
March 29, 2013 at 4:05 pm
Barry Coombs
I’m really enjoying your Galapagos series. Keep them coming!
April 3, 2013 at 10:51 am
Carol King
Hi Barry, Thanks for your visit and your comment.
March 30, 2013 at 8:51 am
dissengallery
I agree with Leslie! The crab is awesome
April 3, 2013 at 11:44 am
Carol King
Hi Tracey! Thanks for your comment. I liked your wine painting.
April 3, 2013 at 4:32 pm
dissengallery
Thanks Carol, glad you visited
March 30, 2013 at 8:58 am
dissengallery
I agree with Leslie! Crab is awesome,I’ve reflection in the water