We spent some time on the Hawaiian island of Kauai this summer, and fell in love with the natural beauty of the island. One of my favorite memories is of our hike along an unspoiled beach. In one area we could hear air wheezing up through cracks in the stone at our feet because the […]
Blossoms of PNW Natives, SBA Assignment 4
August 16, 2011 by · 8 Comments
This is my fourth assignment in the Society of Botanical Art course that I am taking. We were supposed to depict blossoms of different shapes, colors and sizes (all life-size). The perspective should accurately describe the construction of the blossom, ie having a throat or a cup-shape. I chose to feature plants that are native […]
Triteleia laxa, SBA Sketchbook
July 21, 2011 by · 2 Comments
I am trying to squeeze in some practice on blossoms before I start in earnest on my next assignment with the SBA course I am taking. This little flower is one of eighteen in an umbel so won’t be suitable since all eighteen would have to be depicted. I just don’t have time to tackle […]
Leaves of Pacific Northwest Natives, SBA Assignment 3
June 27, 2011 by · 9 Comments
This is my Assignment 3 from the Society of Botanical Artists course that I am currently taking. The assignment was to paint eight different leaves, two of which should be colored (other than green) and one should be of a monocotyledon. I found the assignment very challenging but learned a lot. I have a new […]
Longleaf Mahonia, SBA Sketchbook
May 26, 2011 by · 3 Comments
I am doing some graphite values studies in preparation for my next SBA assignment, which is a selection of leaves in watercolor. Longleaf Mahonia, Mahonia nervosa, is a low ground cover common in the forest under Douglas Firs. The evergreen leaves turn bright red in winter. Evergreen Huckleberry, Vaccineum ovatum, is a shrub that has […]
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).