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Matamata Turtle

Matamata Turtle line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Matamata Turtle full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Matamata Turtle was completed on May 6th, 2009. This was a very difficult illustration to complete. The unusual head with the rough texture and unique coloring was really quite challenging as was the shell. But after a lot of struggling with texture and color I think the result is pretty strong - perhaps one of the best of 2009 so far.

Information about the Matamata Turtle:

The Matamata (or Mata mata) is a freshwater reptile found in marshes, backwater streams, swamps and stagnant ponds in the rainforests of South America. It prefers shallow water so it can easily lift it's distinctive snout nose out to breath air. In the water the Matamata's shell resembles fallen leaves. When feeding the turtle sits patiently waiting for a fish to come into range. When one does, it sucks it into it's mouth using a powerful vacuum. This reptile is a very popular animals in the exotic pet trade. The Matamata's shell can be as large as 18" and adults weigh up to 33 pounds.