Three-quarters towards completing this watercolor painting, and I realize, I’m not painting benign edible chanterelles or orange peel mushrooms. The troll-like toes taking shape on its fruiting body were the tip-off. My heart sank. Even I know a little more than jack-sh** about mushrooms.
Then I got curious. Why do I feel faulty about painting a poisonous mushroom? Its level of toxicity is neither good nor bad. It’s my perception that’s wonky.
Forest Custodian
ABOUT THIS PIECE: An original watercolor painting, 15 x 15 inches (artwork) on 300 lb. 100% cotton Fabriano Coldpress paper; $2000. Sold unframed, so you can match your taste and living environment in framing the painting. Interested in purchasing? Please contact the Shop at shop@terrakindstudio.com. Coming to the shop as a fine art limited-edition print in August 2026.
The Story Behind Oh, Jack!
What you see before you is a Jack O’ Lantern mushroom. Omphalotus illudens for you botany nerds. Native to North America, I found this Jack growing in Lebanon Hills one July morning (2024).
It’s rare to see orange in nature that it stops us in our tracks. The overall design and stacked growth are pleasing to the eye and striking next to plants whose chlorophyll produces a multitude of variations on the color green.
While Jack O’ Lantern mushrooms are poisonous (why does everything have to be an object of consumption to be considered worthy?), it does provide valuable ecological services. Simply, it breaks down organic matter so it can ingest it as food. Earth would be a freakin’ mess without mushrooms and fungi as her custodians.
Above is a gallery of close-up views of Forest Custodian, a watercolor painting of a Jack O’Lantern mushroom nestled among crisp autumn leaf litter, scattered sticks, and fallen acorns. The vivid orange fungus glows with an almost mythical presence.
What else is happening in the day of “a Jack?”
Is it communicating with other plants and organisms, like moss? Is there an exchange of water, nutrients, and minerals happening between Jack O’ Lanterns and the surrounding plants and trees?
How and why are Jack O’ Lanterns orange in color? Orange, a color of danger, isn’t necessarily a deterrent, as many edible mushrooms are orange. Is it a reflection of a particular biochemical makeup? Is orange coloring an evolutionary advantage? (More diligent research to come!)
The cool thing about Jack O’ Lantern mushrooms is that they can glow in the dark. The gills glow a faint green, a bioluminescence that attracts nocturnal insects that, in turn, help distribute Jack’s spores further afield. Smart. Every mushroom and fungus has evolved ways to keep its kind going.
My last question is, who would want a poisonous mushroom hanging on their wall? While I paint for myself, I also keep in mind who the painting is ultimately for — A forager of wonderment, perhaps?
“Capture the magic of the forest with this enchanting square watercolor painting featuring a vibrant Jack O’Lantern mushroom (Omphalotus illudens) nestled on the forest floor. Surrounded by rich leaf litter, fallen acorns, and earthy textures, this botanical illustration brings the beauty of autumn to life. Painted in warm, glowing hues, the scene evokes the mystery and wonder of nature’s hidden corners. Perfect for lovers of mushroom art, forest decor, or fall-inspired wall art, this piece adds a cozy, organic touch to any space. Ideal for cottagecore, woodland, and nature-themed interiors.”
Put it this way, a Jack has his charms.
If this story resonated with you, you might also enjoy these:
Smart. Like a Weed. The serenpidious lessons found in a mystery plant and how the concept of invasive species is not what you think.
The Story of Soil. Childhood memories and time spent living next to a ribbon of wetland prairie preserve lead to both story and art.
Bittersweet is Bittersweet: A story about the complexities of native and invasive species, and the need for resiliency and biodiversity.
