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 […]
Don’t Stagnate…Rejuvenate!
April 4, 2014 by · 7 Comments
I’ve been catching up on responsibilities…and playing…after the intensity of preparing and submitting my six paintings to the Society of Botanical Artists Exhibition in London. I’ve posted all of them on my blog over the past year, but if you want to see them all together, they are on my botanical art facebook page here. […]
Douglas Fir Cone on Vellum
February 4, 2014 by · 12 Comments
It’s nice to paint something that will sit still for a change. I didn’t know how much flowers and leaves move around until I started on my first botanical drawings. I would draw as accurately as I could for awhile, then take a short break and lo and behold, when I came back my drawing […]
Douglas Fir Cone
January 16, 2014 by · 3 Comments
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 […]
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).