Hiking & Painting in Nature – Chicago
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
50°F Fog Sitting before the clearing open land distant autumn trees array like wallpaper. Fog descends along with my thoughts. Something about the clearing allows the thoughts to linger. A heavy idle. As darkness falls regret whispers taunting me with should have dones. Agony makes warfare. I ask the Light for help. I whisper back … Continue reading Autumn Fog Watercolor
Weathered but strong for the moment A safe space made by man. Time and the elements will destroy But God in the heart of man, a safe space forevermore. For no force against can deploy. My watercolor was made from this picture I took at CITW of a birdhouse on the fringe of a field … Continue reading Safe Space Watercolor
The cemetery guaranteed a quiet visit. I parked on the side of the road and found myself under a tangled web of branches. One tree overlaps knotting and twisting, melting into the adjacent, interlaced in the air. Icy twigs clank in the brisk gust. Is it the sound of chaos? No. Look on the horizon. … Continue reading Tangled Watercolor
Winter Music An overnight storm blankets the earth and covers each bough, each twig, But midday sun breaks snow's grip. As dollops of ice and snow slide off, Lower branches become chords to this tree harp. Various high pitched chimes ring in the frosty air. I let the crystal notes swirl. I am pine's biggest … Continue reading Merry Christmas Pine – Free Artwork
Crabapple Lake Morton Arboretum Lisle, IL The midday sun did its best to melt the snow, But only the hilltops relented, exposing green of grass. Did remaining snow call in clouds for help? Thaw on pause... For now. The day before Thanksgiving my workplace closed early, giving me the opportunity to steal some sketch time. … Continue reading Melting Snow at Crabapple Lake Watercolor
Weathered Shelter, the defense against elements. From scorch of sun to bite of frost; From blast of wind to deluge of cloudburst This haven worn by diligence, Protects. Nature does not relent, Sweet but fierce, Power by intent. Some say the signs are in the sky, I say it's from what's left behind. Weathered. This … Continue reading Weathered Nesting Box Watercolor
Raindrops pummeling onto the concrete outside my window awakens me from a deep sleep. My eyes open, but I do not want to move. This time is to be treasured. I will not let that voice which asks, "What time is it?", steal this moment. I will not let my cell phone sitting on the … Continue reading Rainy Autumn Morning Watercolor
16°F with a windchill of 2°F Sunny Windy The sun paints pines with toasty colors, But does nothing to the raw wind. The steady wind numbs. And pine needles shave the ice. I love warm colors in the wintertime. You especially see it right before or during sunset... the sun casts yellow, orange, and pinks … Continue reading Frigid Sun Kissed Pines Watercolor Sketch
Oh Winter Sycamore~ Your camouflage skin failed. You grew it in vain. Against the black of pine, you radiate in contrast. But I like that unlikeness about you, your nonconformity... Don't hide it. Be distinct. It's your calling. The sycamore tree has a very unusual bark pattern. It looks just like camouflage. From a distance … Continue reading Sycamore Stands Alone Winter Watercolor Sketch
