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 […]
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 […]
Pan vs Tube Watercolors
August 7, 2013 by · 35 Comments
I recently read Sandrine Maugy’s wonderful book, Colours of Nature, which is a great reference for developing a good water color palette for botanical paintings. I found that many of her recommendations line up with conclusions I have formed through trial and error regarding selecting a palette. So her information has been very helpful to […]
Untangling Pigments
June 15, 2013 by · 2 Comments
Slogging through all of the information and often conflicting recommendations regarding pigments is of the most challenging aspects of learning watercolors. Some artists are convinced that transparent pigments are the only way to achieve bright, clear colors, while to others opaque or semi-opaque pigments are no hindrance at all to beautiful botanical paintings. Some recommend […]
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 […]
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).