There is something rather flamboyant about Fritillaria, perhaps it is that the leaves can be alternate, opposite or whorled or sometimes all of the above, like they can’t be constrained by the ordinary rules. Or perhaps it is the outlandish spots on some of them, particularly the F. meleagris. Don’t they know that plants should […]
Botanical Starlets, SBA Diploma Portfolio Prep
photo of Fritillaria meleagris Here is a photo of the line-up of the lovely damsels auditioning for the starring role in my botanical illustration, the third and final painting for my SBA diploma. As you can see, they are perfect models, graceful, willowy and demure. Hmmmm…which will I chose? Actually I have already made my […]
Practice Iris, SBA Sketchbook
This is a Dutch iris, which is the main flower in my Mixed Study for the SBA diploma. I painted this as practice so it will go in my sketchbook. I’ve finished the painting but I’ll post it after I get my marks back, so stay tuned! I have just over 2 weeks left to […]
Mixed Autumn Flora, SBA Assignment 12
At the nursery I gathered several possible combinations of plants as I pulled my wagon down the isle. I wanted harmonious but not boring colors, and a variety of textures and blossom sizes. I wanted to render my plants life-size so needed them to fit on an 11.75″ x 16.5″ (29.7cm x 42cm) piece of […]
Toad Lily Sketches, SBA Sketchbook
It’s hard to believe that I am beginning my twelfth assignment with the SBA course that I started in January 2011. Next will be three ‘senior projects’ that will summarize all we have learned over the last two years, then on to graduation in April of 2013. Tricyrtis ‘Purple Beauty’ This assignment is called “Mixed […]



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).