Dragonfly on Lily Pads – DiTarando Bronze & Copper Fine Art Sculpture for Garden or Interior Display
6 ¾” wide Dragonfly on a 23” long Branch Form
Dragonfly on Lily Pads is a graceful addition to Roger DiTarando’s nature-inspired series of bronze motifs mounted on naturalistic forms. Crafted using the traditional lost wax casting process, this sculpture combines a finely detailed bronze dragonfly with a grouping of thick, hand-formed copper lily pads. Each pad is individually shaped and arranged to evoke the stillness and rhythm of a quiet pond.
Offered in two versions—one with 5 lily pads and another with 10 lily pads—each sculpture creates a harmonious blend of form and texture. The dragonfly, with a wingspan of approximately 6½ inches, hovers lightly among the copper pads, its cast bronze body capturing fine detail and lifelike movement. The contrast between sculpted bronze and textured copper creates a composition that is both striking and serene.
Whether nestled among garden plantings, positioned near water, or displayed indoors on a table, shelf, or mantel, this sculpture brings an elegant and whimsical touch to any environment. The 10-pad version is currently shown in photos; images of the 5-pad version will be added as they become available.
Each piece reflects Roger’s hallmark style—organic, expressive, and handcrafted—celebrating the natural world through the lens of fine art metalwork.
Sculpture & Birdbath Disclaimer – Roger DiTarando
I specialize in three primary forms of work, all rooted in fine art: original sculptures, replicated pieces, and birdbaths. My creations are a harmonious blend of hand-wrought metalwork and hand-sculpted clay maquettes—small-scale models that serve as preliminary versions of the final sculptures. These maquettes are transformed into bronze through the traditional lost-wax casting process. This combination allows me to explore a rich tapestry of textures and forms, resulting in expressive, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the beauty of hand-forged craftsmanship.
On the Nature of My Work
My sculptures and birdbaths are intentionally textural and expressive—nothing is flat, square, or machine-perfect. This is not factory work. Each piece is an organic composition of forged and assembled elements, guided by the metal itself. Some parts may be longer, thicker, thinner, or more curved than others. The result is a dynamic, layered balance—what I call perfect chaos, perfect imperfections.
These natural variations are part of the aesthetic and are essential to the individuality of each piece. If you’re looking for polished, uniform, factory-made décor, my work may not be the right fit. But if you value hand-wrought sculpture, authentic patina finishes, and the unpredictable beauty of natural forms, I invite you to explore further.
If you have hesitations about any of these characteristics, I kindly suggest holding off. I don’t want to sell you something—I want you to want it. That makes all the difference.
Patina Information
Patina: “A surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use.”
Most of my sculptures and birdbaths feature patinas that are applied chemically, not left to develop naturally over decades. I use traditional techniques to create rich colors—blues, greens, purples, yellows, and more—that mimic the organic aging of copper, bronze, and brass. These effects are part of what makes each piece a living work of art, suitable for both outdoor environments and interior spaces.
What to Expect:
Patinas will vary from piece to piece in tone, texture, and intensity.
A newly applied patina evolves as it reacts to light, moisture, and temperature—this transition can take weeks to months.
Flaking, spotting, drip marks, and areas of white powder (from welding flux) are all natural parts of the process.
Think of these colorations as similar to moss or lichen—layered, unpredictable, and beautiful.
If you'd like to preserve the color more permanently, I suggest applying Rust-Oleum Clear Satin spray once or twice per year (spring and fall). However, no maintenance is required—my birdbaths and sculptures are crafted to endure all seasons.
Upon arrival, you may wish to clean the birdbath with a sponge and dish soap to remove any loose residue from the recent patina application.
Safety & Handling
Texture is central to the aesthetic of my sculptures and birdbaths. Every surface is hammered, shaped, or forged, creating beautiful irregularities that invite closer inspection. Some edges may be sharp. While I make every effort to smooth out unintended flaws, the nature of hand-forged metal means that certain elements may have defined or pointed edges. Please use care when handling, installing, or moving the piece.
Final Notes
All sales are final. Due to the handmade nature and custom character of each piece, I do not accept returns.
If you have any questions before purchasing, please feel free to reach out: Cell: 860.614.2704
Thank you for supporting handmade fine art sculpture.
— Roger DiTarando