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 […]
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 […]
Camassia update
August 1, 2013 by · 5 Comments
a section of the Camas Lily painting I have been working on this Camassia in fits and starts for quite awhile but finally feel that it is getting closer to where I want it to be. Here is a cropped piece of the work. As you can see, the anthers are not painted yet plus […]
Sketching (part 2)
July 29, 2013 by · 6 Comments
I think of sketching as a way to ‘keep in shape’ artistically. After all, drawing is a skill like playing an instrument–the more you do it the better you will be at it. Sketching might be compared to improvisational jazz, whereas botanical art is akin to classical music. Although they both have a rich history […]
Sketching (part 1)
July 22, 2013 by · 2 Comments
Since sketching is one of my favorite things to do, it seems strange that sometimes it is a struggle to make time for it. I have found that I have to be intentional in order to get myself to keep at it. Since I’ve heard others complain of the same struggle, I thought I would […]
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).