This is one of my favorite small paintings from my nature series of watercolors. The texture of the thistle was satisfying to paint with spikes, highlights and shadows, and the cushion of flower in bloom that attracts butterflies.
This illustration is also available on mugs and shirts at this link: Butterfly and Thistle design at cafepress.com/aliceflynn.
gallery of art by alice flynn 
Very cool and appealing.