Richard Baker's works, "Streak-Winged Red Skimmer," "Elephant Stag Beetle," and "Horse Lubber Grasshopper" reflect the artist's intense study of nature. However, the artist stated that these works are not simply reproductions of nature, but are a "response to nature, an homage to it." While the titles of the paintings consist of the insect names, the paintings themselves are beautiful studies in the delicate blending of abstraction and representation. There exists in these works a contrast between the scientific codification and artistic creativity. These paintings are strong representatives of Baker's work throughout the early 1990s.

These three paintings were included in the first exhibition at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Museum, "Wildlife," and are reproduced in the exhibition's accompanying catalogue.