Hiking & Painting in Nature – Chicago
The setting sun beckoned my company for one last moment. The clouds declared a mood, consecrating these last seconds. I was ordained a devotee. Such was my walk at dusk. This painting was inspired by a gorgeous sunset just the other day. You would not believe how easy it is to paint this scene. You … Continue reading Let’s Paint Christmas Birch Watercolor!
Not only are the reeds frozen, but the animal tracks are too. Frozen in time. They tell a story which I love to read when hiking in nature. I have to put the pieces together from this story... whose tracks? When were they made? Did the animal have the silver moon as a guiding light? … Continue reading Reeds Frozen in Time Watercolor
To have patience. To lie in wait. This autumn magnolia tree already has it's buds ready for next spring. Why does this happen? The tree's buds are encased in a heavy fur scale, Soft on the outside with little silver hairs and extremely hard underneath protecting the tender bud. But why are we seeing buds … Continue reading Magnolia Buds Lie in Wait Watercolor
51°F Overcast, windy, rain. A hawk cry rings out under the heavy damp air. A red squirrel sits to peel the outer layer of a nut, unaffected by the rain. An intruder approaches... another red squirrel. This invasion results in a quick chase around the tree and an angry fast flicker of the tail. The … Continue reading Autumn Rain Watercolor
Today, we are going to paint an orange kitty using watercolors. Pretty simple, but the end might scare you. Don't let it! You can do this. I am using Hahnemühle's Leonardo 280 lbs matt watercolor paper, a heavy weight thick wonderful watercolor paper with much texture. In each frame I wanted to have a picture of … Continue reading Let’s Paint an Orange Kitty – Watercolor
On the advice of a Dove Candy wrapper (sea salt caramel & dark chocolate), I got lost on purpose.... Swallows dance above Crabapple Lake. Even though it is an overcast day, I can still see their shadow on the surface of the lake as they swoop within an inch of the water. The wind pushes … Continue reading Mighty Oaks Watercolor Sketch
Last June I went to Christ in the Wilderness for a 4 day retreat. Every time I visit, I'm rewarded with beautiful solitude, majestic nature, the ability to think and pray. It is like a spiritual renewal or refreshing. God works in mysterious ways and I believe he was speaking to me through nature, almost … Continue reading Let’s Paint a Birdhouse on Wire Fence Speed Demo VIDEO
It is with a broken heart and many tears that I announce the passing of a dear friend, sister in Christ, and painting buddy, Alanna. I met Alanna 7 years ago when she contacted me through this site. She LOVES to paint and wanted to learn more, so she emailed me. We struck up a … Continue reading In Memoriam
93°F Hot Humid Journal Notes: I found a bench in the shade and it's ALL MINE. I claim it. A healthy breeze keeps me comfortable, despite the heat. A charm of American goldfinches keeps my spirits exceptionally high as I notice their hilly flight pattern above my head. Suddenly, a blasting car horn in the … Continue reading All Things Tiny Watercolor
I was very fortunate to receive watercolor block samples from Hahnemühle USA out of Crystal Lake, IL, so that I can review them and inform my fellow watercolor artist friends how they preform. That's you! What are watercolor blocks? Watercolor blocks are watercolor sheets, bound together as a block. The sides of the block has … Continue reading Difference Between Hahnemühle Watercolor Blocks Review
