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 […]
The View from the Bluff
March 25, 2010 by · 10 Comments
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
March 22, 2010 by · 9 Comments
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
March 19, 2010 by · 9 Comments
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 […]
Concordia Coffee Shop
March 8, 2010 by · 10 Comments
Portland has an endless supply of funky, hip, and/or quaint coffee shops. I think this one definitely fits in the funky (in the good sense) category! We had a relaxing evening of sketching and reading here yesterday. Please note the “Tardis” masquerading as a British police call box which is positioned against the wall for […]
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).