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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Acorn Sighting!
August 16, 2013 by · 6 Comments
Quercus garryana Quercus garryana canopy Often on my walks I stop to search through the low branches of this native Garry oak tree that over-hang the footpath, hoping to find some evidence of developing acorns. I was excited to note tiny caps peeking out about a month ago. Last autumn I searched the branches of […]
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).