Licorice Fern, Polypodium glycyrrhiza, forms a soft muff on the branches of trees in winter here in the Pacific Northwest. The wiry roots cause the rhizomes to cling to rocks and tree branches, usually under a soft coating of moss. In the winter when the trees are bare and colors are bleak, the green fluffy […]
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 […]
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 […]
Trillium ovatum, SBA Assignment 2
April 18, 2011 by · 10 Comments
The crisp white blossoms of Trillium seem to promise brighter days to come as they bloom under the dark canopy of Douglas Firs in the forest. Our spring weather here in the Pacific Northwest is usually overcast, and the white blossoms seem to sparkle on the dark forest floor. This is a graphite drawing I […]
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).