Common Camas was once abundant in the meadows of the Pacific Northwest. In fact, Meriwether Lewis commented in his journal in 1806 that meadows of Camas were so thick with blossoms that they looked like “lakes of fine clear water” even from a short distance away. Camas bulbs were a staple food of Native American […]
Siberian Iris Pods
September 5, 2013 by · 5 Comments
I spent another relaxing morning at Jane’s house sketching and painting with other botanical artists on her deck. These pods caught my eye as we strolled around her garden looking for possible subjects before we sat down to “work”. I accidentally knocked them over and out fell the little seeds, so I included them in […]
Acorn Sighting!
August 16, 2013 by · 6 Comments
Quercus garryana Quercus garryana canopy Often on my walks I stop to search through the low branches of this native Garry oak tree that over-hang the footpath, hoping to find some evidence of developing acorns. I was excited to note tiny caps peeking out about a month ago. Last autumn I searched the branches of […]
Cabbage & SBA Diploma Portfolio & Graduation
March 29, 2013 by · 13 Comments
I posted about finding this cabbage at the farmer’s market and my preliminary drawing here. I got top marks from the SBA tutors for this painting which is ironic since when I first did it, I thought it was a complete failure and started on another vegetable painting to send in instead. I quickly realized […]
Botanical Mixed Study, SBA Diploma Portfolio
March 29, 2013 by · 7 Comments
Since I had three months to do my diploma pieces (for the SBA program), I assigned myself one painting per month. The way it worked out was that the mixed study had to be done in January. I never realized until then how paltry the selection of nursery or florist plants is in the middle […]
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).