Hiking & Painting in Nature – Chicago
My hikes never cease to provide surprises, even some half buried in the snow. On this cold winter day I found amber jelly rolls. Amber jelly roll (Exidia recisa), is a fungus that grows on downed twigs and limbs. Beautiful blobs of jelly they are, chilling on frozen branches on the ground. An interesting fact … Continue reading Amber Jelly Roll in the Snow Watercolor
A Red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) came by to say, "Hello." In return I fed him suet. I quietly sat contemplating his woes. They are many, for while he ate his breakfast it was a mere 8°F. He ate alone and used the pine tree in my backyard for cover several times: grabbing suet, flying to … Continue reading A Red-breasted Nuthatch Said Hello
Are you one to despair on a gloomy day? Does the weather hold you as a prisoner in your own home? Please, let me charm you on the joys of a rainy day. Yes, joy. The forest is alive, even without leaves on the trees, with the deafening sound of pelting rain. It vibrates and … Continue reading Rain Created Watercolor
Winter isn't deprived of beauty. Yes, color is a little more drab but really, beauty is still all around us... you must look a little closer. Where winter is weak in color, it makes up for it in texture. There is texture to be seen in every inch of every step you take in the … Continue reading The Allure of Winter Weeds
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!
Today this tree is covered in white. It looks nothing like this painting. Perhaps there are a few less leaves as well after a gusty winter storm arrived in Chicago yesterday. It is perceived differently today than it was when it was not dressed in white, sporting gorgeous colors. But it is the same tree. … Continue reading Before the Snow Autumn Tree Watercolor
I couldn't time this if I had tried...just days before Halloween. My son and I went for a hike at a local forest preserve. He found this species trying to cross the path, a female marbled orb-weaver (aka pumpkin spider). I wont lie. Spiders scare me....but isn't she a beauty?!? Right now in October, marbled … Continue reading Pumpkin Spider Watercolor
https://youtu.be/H61lgvD4Itk It's so much fun to hike in the woods and find mushroom treasures! You never know when you'll find them or what types you'll find...that makes it exciting!! When you do find them, why not paint them? Spend a few minutes with me as I show you how to make a quick watercolor sketch … Continue reading Let’s Paint Mushroom at Work – Speed VIDEO!
The cottonwood wasn't angry, I was. Just the day before I had gotten into an argument with an in-law which was totally taken by surprise. I held a rational conversation as long as I could until I had to remove myself from a room in my own home. It's best to walk away than regret … Continue reading Angry Cottonwood Watercolor Sketch
On a dark forest floor, this mushroom was found. Almost comical upon first glance, as it is the size of a basketball... hence the name giant. These puffballs can grow full size overnight. And my National Audubon Society Mushroom Field Guide states that an average size giant puffball can contain 7 trillion spores. 7 Trillion! … Continue reading Giant Puffball Mushroom Watercolor Sketch
