Sketchbook exchanges can be a source of inspiration, encouragement and sharing ideas, in other words, building artistic community. At least that is the experience of a group I belong to, Oregon Botanical Artists, an Artists Circle under the auspices of the American Society of Botanical Artists. We are on our third sketchbook exchange, and […]
The Weaving of Plants and People
May 29, 2015 by · 8 Comments
I am fascinated by connections…the many ways people connect with one another, the complex interdependency found in nature and the threads of history that makes themselves felt through time. I’ve been reading David Douglas: A Naturalist at Work by David Nisbet, which describes the travels, observations and collecting of that intrepid Scot, David Douglas. He […]
Douglas Fir Cone on Vellum
February 4, 2014 by · 12 Comments
It’s nice to paint something that will sit still for a change. I didn’t know how much flowers and leaves move around until I started on my first botanical drawings. I would draw as accurately as I could for awhile, then take a short break and lo and behold, when I came back my drawing […]
Douglas Fir Cone
January 16, 2014 by · 3 Comments
Douglas Fir trees have formed the backdrop of much of my life. Just look at snapshots of the houses I’ve lived in, schools I’ve attended and places I’ve gone hiking and camping, and there you will likely see a Douglas Fir somewhere in the distance. I’ve mostly taken them for granted until recently when I […]
Brewer’s Spruce
February 17, 2011 by · 8 Comments
This tree is another native of the Pacific Northwest. It is easily mistaken for a Douglas Fir from a distance because it also has drooping side branches, but on close inspection the cones and the needles are quite different. My sweet husband used a pole pruner while standing on the garage roof to cut down […]
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).