“THE AMAZON” is an original oil painting by Jeanne Cadman, resident of the Sunshine State, Florida. As Jeanne finished high school, she was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disease that causes total and permanent blindness. Jeanne plans to continue to paint as long as she is able to place paint on canvas. This greeting card was reproduced from an original artwork by Jeanne Cadman for THASC Sales Co. of Margate, FL. THASC has employed a unique group of handicapped artists who create art to help rehabilitate themselves. They gain self-respect and pride through their artwork.
The striking detail and color in Jeanne’s painting is among the most beautiful I have ever seen. You are immediately captured by the colorful macaws that draw you into the Amazon basin and the thickness of the canopy of branches and leaves of the tropical trees. Along with its stunning tropical flowers, we get a glimpse of the Amazon River, over 4,000 miles long, and second longest in the world only to the Nile. The Amazon, found in South America (over half is located in Brazil), is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, covering over 1.4 billion acres.
The landscape contains 2.6 million square miles in the Amazon basin (about 40% of South America). Along with the millions of plant, fish, mammal, reptile, bird, butterfly and insect species, as well as the Earth’s last shelters for jaguars who require large areas of the rain forest to survive, the Amazon is also home to 400-500 native tribes. Some believe that about 50 of these tribes have never had contact with the outside world!
Macaws are the largest of all parrots and are noticeable by their brilliantly colored plumage. The macaws have gripping toes they use to latch onto branches. Two of their toes point forward, as you can see in the painting, and two point backward. They can grab food with their toes and bring it up to their mouth. They have beautiful, graceful tails that in some cases are longer than their bodies. Macaws are intelligent and social birds with loud calls and squawks used to identify one another. Some can even mimic human speech (“Polly want a cracker?”). Flocks sleep in trees, and, with their pointed wings, are able to fly swiftly and for long distances.
They have large, powerful hooked beaks that easily crack nuts and seeds. Macaws mate for life and share food and groom each other. The mothers take care of the eggs while the fathers hunt for food. Because they are playful birds, they have become popular pets (many are trapped illegally), which is one of the reasons they are on the endangered species list.
There is a clear connection between the health of the planet and the health of the Amazon. Because the rich vegetation here takes carbon dioxide out of the air and releases oxygen back in, this area is referred to as “the lungs of the Earth”. The Amazon produces more than 20% of the world’s oxygen!
THASC artist Jeanne Cadman has transported us to a place that is for the most part untouched and undiscovered by the rest of the outside world. The beauty of her intricate detail is captivating and she possesses a creative talent so rare that we all hope she will be painting for a very long time.
Jeanne’s greeting card and all other THASC products are available for purchase at www.thasc.com
Please join me again on Thursday and don’t forget to leave me a comment. Thanks!
-Maria
THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.
www.thasc.com
Precious Art By Precious People 
Maria
I learned a lot about flocks. I loved jeannes
Picture,it was so colorful and bright. I did not know that amazon produces 20% of oxygen, thats amazing stuff. I did not know that macaws, mate for life,and groom each other. Learned some good things about different birds, today. Loved the story,and the painting.
Intil thursday, enjoy the spring, winter!!!
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Dana, I’ve never been to South America but I’ve always wanted to go to Brazil. That must be one of the most beautiful places in the world. I can’t believe what an amazing painting this is. So much talent and detail! Every blog is a new experience for me.
Thank you for always noticing the beauty.
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Just beautiful. I can almost feel the heat and humidity!
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Dear Sav, It’s definitely on my Bucket List! Thanks for all of your thoughtful comments!
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It’s inspiring how the THASC artists overcome tremendous obstacles most of us could never imagine and create amazing art while renewing themselves. They show the triumph of the human spirit.
The well-researched commentary and photos add a layer of context and appreciation. It’s interesting and joyful that the people of the Amazon reflect the brilliant colors and designs of their environment and animal neighbors in being a part of nature rather than apart from it.
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Dear Chad, you are right! It is so inspiring for me to see the beauty these artists create! I’m so glad you enjoyed the commentary and photos. I too love the decorative faces of the indigenous couple. Thanks so much for taking time to write. Maria
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