08. Bee-eaters
THE MULTICOLOURED INSECTIVORES
Bee-eaters giving each other dragonflies on almond blossom branches as gifts
ABOUT THESE BIRDS
Some curiosities about these birds
This pair of beautiful and colourful birds pair up and live together intimately exchanging gifts as shown in the mural. They are great insectivores, especially of bees and wasps, and their scientific name refers to this detail in the species, Merops apiaster, which literally translates from Latin as bee-eaters. Their song is an element that easily identifies them when they move in groups to migrate to Africa and return to the peninsula to spend the summer and nest in small caves in riverbanks and earthen walls.
Bee-eaters are one of the great defences against the dangerous and invasive velutine wasp, which devours them without mercy. We must remember that many insect infestations are due to the absence of natural predators such as these birds that we are obliged to protect and care for. Besides, bee-eaters are beautiful, with magnificent colours that seem to come out of the rainbow.
HOW IT WAS MADE
Discover how this painting was made
This painting was the last to be made on the facade of the House of Birds. It required the use of a lifting platform for a total of 25 hours over 5 days. The most complicated thing was to make the perch because the contrast of the white flowers on the white background of the wall could only be achieved with a good work of lights and shadows.
The bee-eaters are very colourful, which required a continuous change of tones and mixtures. They are made with acrylic paints and markers and protected with varnish, although they require annual restorations because of the loss of yellow colours due to ultraviolet exposure. Its size is 1.80 by 2.25 metres and it is a work that has never been done before on paper or in these dimensions.
ROUTE OF PAINTINGS
The Route of Paintings through Vélez-Blanco continues
This painting is located next to the facade of the House of Birds, it is next to a window and its dimensions are 1,8 and 2,25 metres. You can see other works of art by following our street route in Vélez Blanco.
BOOKINGS
Book your exclusive stay at The House of the Birds
You will discover a different kind of rural accommodation, with all the comforts of a completely restored house but with a rural feel. With fireplace, wine cellar, games room, table football room, spacious lounge, comfortable bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen and in the heart of a unique village with its beauty as is Vélez Blanco.
