I live near a west facing bluff where our native oak, Quercus garryana, grows. They thrive on sunny, well-drained slopes. I enjoy looking into their craggy canopies as I walk along the top of the bluff. I’ve wanted to sketch one of these impressive trees for awhile, so decided that this months’ entry for the […]
Sketchbook–Winter Twigs
January 23, 2016 by · 7 Comments
On my walks on these dreary wet days of winter, it seems that nature is asleep and I see nothing but bare twigs and dead field grasses. Recently I took a closer look when I began searching for something to sketch for a sketchbook exchange project I am involved in (more about that later). I […]
Galls and Baubles
August 25, 2014 by · 8 Comments
The galls hung down like baubles on the branches of a Garry Oak tree that I encountered on my walk. I had never seen so many on one tree before, and was entranced by all of the colors, from greenish yellow to beige to burgundy/brown, and sizes from quite small up to one inch (2.5 […]
Garry Oak or Oregon White Oak
January 10, 2014 by · 8 Comments
Massive branches zigzagging upward, leathery dark green leaves, and craggy gray bark characterize the impressive Garry Oak tree, which is native to the Pacific Northwest where I live. It’s acorns remind me of tiny heads with knit caps pulled down snugly over the ears. A friend pointed out that they are the perfect size for […]
Garry Oak & Vellum
November 22, 2013 by · 14 Comments
I became enamored with the idea of painting on vellum while researching the history of botanical art for an essay I was assigned to write when I was about halfway through the SBA course, in 2011. I had noticed that many of the most stunning contemporary works were on vellum, but wasn’t aware of the […]
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).