If you’ve been following my work, you already know I have a slight obsession with painting frogs. And how could I not? They’re bright, weird, and full of personality—basically, the perfect art subjects.
This time, I wanted to capture Litoria infrafrenata, also known as the White-Lipped Tree Frog. This species has an incredible green glow and (as the name suggests) a bright white lower lip that makes them stand out from other frogs.
🎨 the process:
Frogs are super textured, so I had to build up layers carefully to get that slightly bumpy but soft look just right. It was a challenging but rewarding piece to work on!
🐸 1. They’re the biggest tree frogs in the world!
Yep, these guys hold the record—they can grow up to 14 cm (5.5 inches) long! Imagine a frog bigger than your handchilling in the trees.
🌿 2. They live in the tropics
You’ll find them in rainforests across northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and nearby islands. They love warm, humid environments and often show up in people’s gardens.
🎤 3. They’re loud- really loud.
Male Litoria infrafrenata have a barking call that can be heard from over 100 meters away. Cute? Yes. But also extremely annoying if one takes up residence outside your bedroom window.
🛡 4. Their skin is self-cleaning
Like many frogs, their skin secretes antimicrobial compounds that help prevent infections. This is part of why frogs are so sensitive to pollution—their skin absorbs everything, good and bad.
🌙 5. They can change color!
Depending on temperature, light, and mood, these frogs can shift from bright green to dark brown. Think of it as a built-in wardrobe change.
Being both an artist and a vet, I can’t help but nerd out about frog biology. Here are some wild facts from the medical side of things:
🫁 1. Frogs breathe through their skin
Yes, they have lungs, but they also absorb oxygen through their skin—which is why they always look a little wet and slimy. This is called cutaneous respiration, and it’s one of the reasons amphibians are so vulnerable to environmental changes.
🦵 2. They’re built for jumping
White-Lipped Tree Frogs have massive hind legs, which allow them to leap incredible distances. They also have sticky toe pads, which let them grip onto smooth surfaces with ease. (Think: tiny green parkour athletes.)
💧 3. They shed their skin—and eat it
Frogs regularly shed their outer layer of skin to keep it fresh. Instead of letting it go to waste, they just eat it. Waste not, want not, right?
🚑 4. They can regrow lost limbs
Amphibians have amazing regenerative abilities. Some species of frogs can regrow lost toes and even parts of limbs, which is why they’re being studied for medical research on tissue regeneration.
🐸 5. They’re ecosystem health indicators
Since frogs absorb water and chemicals through their skin, they’re one of the first species to show signs of environmental damage. If frogs are struggling in an area, it usually means something is wrong with the ecosystem.
Honestly? Because they’re awesome.
Frogs have so much character, color, and texture that they’re endlessly fun to paint. No two frogs look exactly the same, and I love the challenge of capturing their glow, their moist skin, and their expressive little faces.
Plus, as a vet, I love bringing attention to wildlife that people might not think about. Everyone loves big cats and elephants, but frogs are just as fascinating and important to our ecosystems.
As both an artist and a veterinarian, I take great care to correctly identify the species I paint. Every frog, fish, or mammal I choose as a subject has unique features that make it distinct, and I want to ensure those defining traits are captured accurately.
Before starting a painting, I spend hours researching—comparing different references, looking at scientific illustrations, field guides, and verified wildlife photography to be certain I’m portraying the right species with its correct markings, colors, and anatomy.
Whenever I’m painting frogs, I have my ‘complete guide to australian frogs’ book open on my desk. If you love frogs and are interested in australian species, I would highly recommend it!
For Litoria infrafrenata, the white lip, large size, and smooth green skin were key identifying features I focused on in this painting. Getting these details right not only makes the artwork scientifically accurate but also helps highlight the incredible diversity of wildlife in a way that’s both artistic and educational.
Australia is home to some of the most fascinating, colorful, and downright weird frogs in the world. While Litoria infrafrenata (the White-Lipped Tree Frog) is one of the biggest, it’s just the tip of the frog-filled iceberg.
🌧 1. Some australian frogs can survive droughts… by burrowing!
Frogs like the Water-Holding Frog (Cyclorana platycephala) can bury themselves underground and encase themselves in a mucus cocoon to survive years of drought. When the rain finally comes, they emerge, mate, and restart the cycle—like tiny, amphibian time capsules.
❄️ 2. Others can freeze themselves and come back to life
The Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree) is one of Australia’s most stunning frogs, with its black and bright yellow markings. But what’s even cooler? Some Australian alpine frogs can survive being frozen solid in winter—their hearts literally stop—and then they thaw out and hop away in spring like nothing happened. Science still hasn’t fully figured out how they pull this off!
🚨 3. Many are in trouble due to chytrid fungus
Unfortunately, Australian frogs (like many around the world) are facing serious population declines due to habitat loss, pollution, and a deadly fungal disease called chytridiomycosis. Some species, like the Southern Corroboree Frog, are critically endangered, with captive breeding programs trying to save them.
💡 4. Not all fogs say “ribbit”
The classic “ribbit” sound you hear in movies? That’s actually from an American frog species! Australian frogs make all sorts of noises—from high-pitched whistles to deep, barking calls (like Litoria infrafrenata). Some even sound like dripping water!
🏡 5. You can attract frogs to your own garden
Want to help native frogs thrive? Creating a frog-friendly garden with shallow water sources, native plants, and pesticide-free areas can turn your backyard into a mini frog sanctuary. You might just get a White-Lipped Tree Frog moving in!
I’m always painting more frogs, more wildlife, and more nature-inspired pieces. If you love handmade, one-of-a-kind art, check out my latest watercolor paintings in my shop! You can purchase a print of my litoria chloris painting here. If you’re up for some more frog facts, check out my article on painting litoria chloris.
Want to see what I’ll paint next? Follow me on social media and send me your animal painting suggestions! 😊🎨✨
☼ Cogger, H. G. (2018). Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. CSIRO Publishing.
☼ Duellman, W. E., & Trueb, L. (1994). Biology of amphibians. Johns Hopkins University Press.
☼ Zina, J., Romano, A., & Coccia, E. (2020). Environmental stressors and amphibian declines. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 8, 234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2020.00234
☼ Zug, G. R., Vitt, L. J., & Caldwell, J. P. (2001). Herpetology: An introductory biology of amphibians and reptiles. Academic Press.
☼ Who is Litoria infrafrenata?
☼ What are some wild facts about the White-Lipped Tree Frog?
☼ What are some cool veterinary insights about frogs?
☼ Why do I love painting frogs so much?
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hi, i’m sarah, an australian artist head-over-heels for watercolour & creative practice- it truely is good for your soul.
& this ↑, is my girl alys.
i am completely self-taught in all the mediums i use & i am here to share everything i know with you!
i write about all things creativity, watercolour, gouache, hand-made ceramics, collecting art, & my own artistic process. I have degrees in human psychology & veterinary medicine- so you might find some sporadic related facts in my writing.
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