Karen Talbot (1972- ) Garibaldi damselfish (Hypsypops rubicundus), 2009. Sepia pen and ink and watercolor colored pencil on natural white, 140 lb. (300 g/m2), acid free, cold press surface paper; 9 x 12 in. (22.9 x 30.5 cm). Unframed. Collection of Karen Talbot, Unsold. Click for larger image.

Artist's Notes. May 2009. Laguna Beach, California - The garibaldi damselfish is a reef-associated, non-migratory saltwater fish, and it is the the official marine state fish of California. As such, it is protected in California coastal waters, and we see tons of them every time we are in the water on the reefs just off Laguna.

An adult garibaldi, like the one above, will reach about 30 cm or more (one foot) in length. The juveniles have distinctive iridescent blue spots that they lose as the fish matures (usually around 17-19 cm.). The garibaldi has the ability to change sex throughout its life based on social stimuli. It is the males who build and tend the nests for young.

The garibaldi is indigenous to the Eastern Pacific from Monterey Bay in California south to southern Baja California and Guadalupe Island in Mexico. While frequent on shallow rocky reefs, they can be found at depths up to 30 meters (98 feet). They are an important species in the kelp forests found off the coast, which is an important, but increasingly threatened ecosystem. One of the art classes I frequently teach to children is "Drawing Sea Creatures in their Habitat", as this gives me a chance to help educate the next generation about the importance of the kelp forests and the species which inhabit them.

In 2009, Karen is working on a series of fishes, including the Banggai cardinalfish. Some of these original pieces will be for sale in Karen's booth at the Sawdust Art Festival during the summer of 2009. If you want more information, please contact karen at karen@karentalbotart.com.