The most ordinary things in nature, like roots and dirt, prove to be complex beyond imagination and inextricably interrelated with all of life.
Camassia Fields Forever?
April 28, 2016 by · 6 Comments
At one time, Camassia meadows stretched over many acres in the Willamette Valley, looking like lakes of clear water from a distance according to the early explorer, Meriwether Lewis. Camassia quamash or Camas lilies grow in the Oak savannas of the Pacific Northwest, along with many other wild flowers. Camas lily bulbs were a staple […]
Common Camas or Camassia quamash
September 18, 2013 by · 9 Comments
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 […]
Preliminary Drawing of Camassia
May 24, 2013 by · 2 Comments
This is a portion of the line drawing that I will use as a basis for a painting of Camassia. I like using drawing paper with a smooth but tough surface, like Bristol Vellum, for the initial line drawing so I can erase to my heart’s content while I adjust the drawing and composition. Next […]
Camassia quamash
May 23, 2013 by · 2 Comments
I recently visited a local nursery that specializes in Pacific Northwest native plants, Bosky Dell Natives, in search of the subject of my next painting. It is such a luxury to not only have a nice selection of well grown, potted plants to choose from but also to be able to pick Leslie’s brain. She […]
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).