After a recent life drawing session, I was chatting with a friend about how certain principles in art are useful in so many different applications. For instance, using the full spectrum of tones is important to describe form, and without both the lightest light tones, and the darkest darks, an artwork can seem bland. In […]
Art Goals for 2014
January 1, 2014 by · 9 Comments
I’ve been a big goal-setter in my life, though admittedly not always successful in achieving them. Somehow having goals adds zest to life, and surely there is value in the attempt. I have learned that the key to success is to set realistic goals and to make a do-able plan for achieving them. So I’ve […]
Sketching (part 2)
July 29, 2013 by · 6 Comments
I think of sketching as a way to ‘keep in shape’ artistically. After all, drawing is a skill like playing an instrument–the more you do it the better you will be at it. Sketching might be compared to improvisational jazz, whereas botanical art is akin to classical music. Although they both have a rich history […]
Sketching (part 1)
July 22, 2013 by · 2 Comments
Since sketching is one of my favorite things to do, it seems strange that sometimes it is a struggle to make time for it. I have found that I have to be intentional in order to get myself to keep at it. Since I’ve heard others complain of the same struggle, I thought I would […]
A "Waiting" Sketchbook
June 26, 2013 by · 6 Comments
4″ x 6″ (11 x 15 cm) sketchbook I call the little sketchbook that I carry in my purse my ‘waiting sketchbook’. It’s for doctor’s office waiting rooms, for before the movie begins or the curtain rises, or even for gridlock traffic jams…or when I am a passenger on road trips. It is surprising how […]
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).