Field Study: Manroot and Coronaria, SBA Sketchbook

Marah oreganus or Oregon Manroot

I was looking for a comfortable spot to sketch, so was happy to see this vine with its interesting gourd nestled under a tree where I could sit protected from the mid-day sun and strong winds. This is part of a field study I am doing of the habitat of Catherine Creek in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  The study is an assignment in the SBA course I am taking.  If you want to see the entire sketchbook page, including my notes, click here.

I was fascinated with the way the light reflected off the top of one side of the leaf, and glowed through to make the veins stand out like an x-ray on the other. It was very tempting to continue on painting the other leaves, but time is flying by and I need to complete more of my field study pages and begin a composite page of five of the plants I have studied so I can finish on time.

With my field studies, I am doing pencil sketches and taking notes on location.  I also have been taking lots of reference photos.  Then I add color (watercolor) to the sketch in my studio.  I find that the colors in my photos are not always accurate, so rely on a color chart to determine the correct shade in the field.  The chart consists mostly of mixed greens so my work in the studio is made easier since I already have a couple of options decided regarding which pigments to use.  Along the bottom is a row of unmixed pigments that I like to use for flowers, berries and stems, so I can note which is closest in the field also.

Brodiaea coronaria or Harvest Coronaria

This is a sweet little flower that brightens the drying fields on the exposed bluffs of the Gorge.  I am amazed at the number of delicate wildflowers that thrive in this harsh environment of thin soil, constant winds and summer drought.  The leaves of this bulb wither before it sends up its shoot of flower buds. If you want to see the entire sketchbook page, including my notes for the Coronaria, click here.