Hiking & Painting in Nature – Chicago
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
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
The way loss of autumn leaves is not a reason to fret. The way nakedness of tree is no cause for alarm. The way color drains from grass is not a concern. The way summer birds disappear is not anguish. For hope in things unseen is faith. And the tiniest of faith shifts barriers. When … Continue reading Unfailing Hope Autumnal Watercolor
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
The air is heavy with humidity, the sun hot on your skin, but the rushing sound of water provides a cool comfort as if there's relief within touch. And there is. The heat did not seem to bother the monarchs flitting in between the leaves of the tree next to the falls. Their wings so … Continue reading Waterfall Glen in Watercolor Pencils
My kayak glides on the water, like a feather does carried by the wind. I drift along the shore of a tiny green island. A killdeer stares me down not moving an inch. I tempt my fate and move in closer. We are just 4 feet apart. Still in a staring contest, I study his … Continue reading On Lake Whalon Watercolor
To enjoy the song of spring, it cannot be played on an iPhone or any other artificial electronic device. That would be an insult to your ears. To see a male rose-breasted grosbeak look you in the eye and hear him bicker at you for being too close to his turf is a very intimate … Continue reading The Song of Spring Watercolor
This is Let's Paint Nature's 500th post! To celebrate, let's post a free step by step watercolor demonstration!!! And let it be an easy on at that. Here we go.... This scene was taken from Knock Knolls in Naperville, IL. It will be a very simple watercolor sketch. When I want to do a quick … Continue reading Let’s Paint an Easy Winter Landscape Free Step by Step Watercolor
Yesterday I went on a birding adventure at Red Oaks Nature Center with the DuPage Birding Club. Red Oaks is located adjacent to the Fox River and has an observatory deck right over the river, perfect for viewing waterfowl and migrating birds. When birding, it is helpful to go with a group of knowledgeable people … Continue reading Male and Female Common Goldeneye Watercolor
