We live in an urban neighborhood that was built in the 20’s and 30’s on land that was once an orchard. One of the trees on our property is an old Quince tree. It must be over 100 years old. This is not the more familiar Flowering Quince shrub, but a fruit tree with very […]
Beginning to Bloom
A friend of mine inspired me to paint this rose. She has been through a lot, and is now going through the process of healing. She reminds me of a blossoming rose. I hope that as I get a better feel for how to use watercolors, I can develop a more painterly style. For now […]
The View from the Bluff
I walk along the bluff overlooking the Willamette River several times a week, and this is one of my favorite views. I particularly enjoy it in late afternoon when the sunlight skims over the top of the distant hills and lights up the promontory. Right now the new grass makes the hillside a glowing lime […]
A Groggy Bumblebee
I had a lot of fun with this sketch, though I felt sorry for the bumblebee whose nap I interrupted while I was gardening. Apparently it had been hibernating until I disturbed its cozy nook in the soil. At least I woke it up on a nice sunny day! I did the sketch in pencil […]
Robin and Snowdrops
I think Robins are fine birds, with their sensible, matronly chirp, and determined tug of wars with those tenacious worms. Plus you really have to be special to lay sky blue eggs! I sketched this scene of a robin a couple of weeks ago and painted the robin but didn’t have time to finish the […]



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).