After doing detailed drawings, color studies and developing my composition, the next step is to bring the subject to life…to create the illusion of a 3D image on the two dimensional paper. So as I paint, my focus is on light and shadow, which is how we see shapes. Choice of Paper But before I […]
Sketchbook–Flowers of the Field
July 28, 2016 by · 4 Comments
On my walks through the parched fields near my house, the bright flowers of chicory and red clover stand out as fresh as the summer sky. I wanted to capture those fresh colors in my sketchbook, particularly the cheerful green of the clover leaves. And I’ve always been fascinated by plantain flower heads, with those […]
Sketchbook–Monkeyflower
June 23, 2016 by · 4 Comments
While hiking in the Pacific Northwest, I have become enamored with Monkeyflowers (Mimulus), after all they have such brightly colored flowers and a fun name too. I like plants with personality! When I saw this Monkeyflower in the native plant section of the nursery I snatched it up so I could study it more closely. […]
Starting a New Project, part 2
June 16, 2016 by · 8 Comments
In my last post, I described my preparations for a painting of lupine that I was commissioned to do. My client said I could paint any lupine I wanted, so I chose the graceful native variety that grows in the eastern Columbia Gorge, Lupinus latifolius x sericeus. With my client’s permission, I decided to add […]
Starting a New Project, part 1
June 12, 2016 by · 9 Comments
Lately I’ve been a captive of fading leaves and withering petals–trying to use every minute to get them drawn and studied for a painting before they are totally gone. Drawings, color studies, and reference photos take precedence over anything that can be postponed during that brief period when the cuttings remain fresh. When they’re not […]
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).