I am starting on my diploma portfolio as I near the completion of the SBA course in March. Above is my initial drawing for the vegetable or fruit assignment…lots ‘o shading of crinkly leaves ahead! I recently hit the veggie jackpot when I visited the Portland Farmer’s Market. Even in December, they had lush stacks […]
Toad Lily Sketches, SBA Sketchbook
October 9, 2012 by · 6 Comments
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 […]
The Road Map, SBA Assignment 7
January 20, 2012 by · 18 Comments
I find it helpful, even essential, to make a road map of where I am going with a botanical painting. This is where I try out my composition ideas and do a tonal study. Here I can freely erase and rearrange without the fear of damaging the delicate surface of my watercolor paper. Once I […]
Longleaf Mahonia, SBA Sketchbook
May 26, 2011 by · 3 Comments
I am doing some graphite values studies in preparation for my next SBA assignment, which is a selection of leaves in watercolor. Longleaf Mahonia, Mahonia nervosa, is a low ground cover common in the forest under Douglas Firs. The evergreen leaves turn bright red in winter. Evergreen Huckleberry, Vaccineum ovatum, is a shrub that has […]
Trillium ovatum, SBA Assignment 2
April 18, 2011 by · 10 Comments
The crisp white blossoms of Trillium seem to promise brighter days to come as they bloom under the dark canopy of Douglas Firs in the forest. Our spring weather here in the Pacific Northwest is usually overcast, and the white blossoms seem to sparkle on the dark forest floor. This is a graphite drawing I […]
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).