October Picnic watercolor sketch

An impromptu picnic at the East Branch Off-Leash Dog Park, part of the DuPage County Forest Preserves near Chicago. I … More

Morning Mist Watercolor Sketch

Swallows and Striders on the Fox River Watercolor Sketch

As the river flows A flight of tree swallows swirl. Zooming up, down, sideways fast. But the water striders below, … More

It was there and then it was gone – Monarch Caterpillar Watercolor

It was there… I was looking at the reward for planting common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) in my backyard. Several times … More

Windy at the Lake Watercolor and Nature Journal Club

Hearty winds whip across the lake, Kayaker struggles. Seagulls hover in the air, Clouds race above. Reflections can’t form in … More

My Native Front Yard – Blue Vervain Watercolor

Today blue vervain (Verbena hastata) is in bloom in the native garden. I absolutely love its flowers. Up close they … More

My Native Front Yard Wildlife Edition – Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

The native plants are working! Look who I found munching on some leaves…. a big juicy black swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio … More

It’s a Boy! Update on Polyphemus Cocoon

Do you remember last year when a Polyphemus caterpillar visited my house? (Click on the link to see post with … More

My Native Front Yard – Golden Alexander and Prairie Alumroot

Build it (a native garden) and they will come (insects)! He he he. That was the famous quote from the … More

My Native Front Yard – Wild Geranium

Last year I converted my front yard into a native habitat. Goodbye grass, hello native plants! Why? To save the … More