I was looking for a comfortable spot to sketch, so was happy to see this vine with its interesting gourd nestled under a tree where I could sit protected from the mid-day sun and strong winds. This is part of a field study I am doing of the habitat of Catherine Creek in the Columbia […]
Field Study: Balsam Root and Saskatoon, SBA Sketchbook
June 13, 2012 by · 10 Comments
I was taken with these thick leaves with their graceful undulating edges–I loved how massive they looked in comparison with the fine grasses surrounding the plant. I settled down on the ground in the meadow at Catherine Creek in the Columbia Gorge to do the drawing, but added the color later in my studio. Amelanchier […]
Rice-grain Fritillary, SBA Assignment 9
May 23, 2012 by · 11 Comments
Fritillaria affinis grows in open woods, meadows and on bluffs here in the Pacific Northwest. I think their nodding bells are quite charming, especially combined with the whorled leaves that make them look like they are going to start twirling around at any minute. This is Assignment 9 in the SBA course I am taking, […]
Pink Muscat Grapes, SBA Sketchbook
April 4, 2012 by · 16 Comments
These grapes from the market begged to be painted. Their delicate blush and golden plumpness hinted at juicy sweetness inside and they did not disappoint! I am practicing my technique and wanted some additional fruit to put in my sketchbook for the course I am taking with the SBA. As I worked on this piece […]
Cornus capitata Fruit, SBA Assignment 7
February 1, 2012 by · 10 Comments
This strange fruit brightened up the dreary winter day as I walked through my neighborhood and spied it on a small tree. Who can resist the cheery red fruit with the bright evergreen leaves? In photos I have seen, the Cornus capitata fruits seem to vary a lot as far as the bumpiness 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).