Sketching helps me be more aware of not only the natural world, but of the urban scenes that surround me every day. For some reason, when I sketch something, I am forever bonded to it. I find that worries drop away as I forget everything but the scene or plant in front of me. Besides […]
Sketchbook–Quince Fruit
September 30, 2016 by · 6 Comments
We have an old gnarled Quince tree (Cydonia oblonga) in our garden that produces an abundant crop of fruit each year. We propped up the main branches recently lest they become so bowed down with fruit that the tree finally topples over. Quince trees have been in cultivation for millennia, in fact as a Greek […]
Sketchbook–Garry Oak
August 25, 2016 by · 5 Comments
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–Chasing Light
April 6, 2016 by · 4 Comments
Shadow, reflected light and translucency are all qualities of light, with translucency being the most delicious imo! The Akebia vine blooming outside my kitchen windows seemed a perfect subject for a sketchbook exercise in painting translucency. Although its tiny red flowers are usually easy to miss, when backlit by the morning sun, they glow like […]
Sketchbook–Early Bulbs & More
February 23, 2016 by · 5 Comments
Here’s a little sketchbook fun with early bulbs…and a not always welcome garden visitor. These early bulbs are so encouraging in late winter when the cloud cover is thick and the rain drizzles over the bare landscape. One of the things I want to do with my sketchbook entries is to experiment with different styles […]
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).