Hiking & Painting in Nature – Chicago
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
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
With a burning 93 degree hot sun on hot skin turning red, shelter was a must. Without it this sketch would not exist. Funny how the swallows don't mind the heat as they zigzag above the water. Nor do the egrets mind standing under the blazing furnace on their mounds. Crickets still chirp. Cicadas still … Continue reading Sultry Summer Sketch
This month, at the suggestion of a sketch group member, we decided to meet at Lyman Woods in Downer's Grove, IL, for our sketchbook MeetUp class. What a tiny gem! And crawling with springtime woodland wildflowers right now! Prairie Trillium Lily of the Valley And my favorite...Jack in the Pulpit! Amongst the beautiful, there was … Continue reading Sketch Class Results Lyman Woods Downers Grove
We gather to cleanse ourselves from a stressful week by sketching nature. To be fully present in this moment, under the sun, in full view of the wildlife, and to slowly breath in the crisp air, is no small event. These few hours are precious as we collect the images of this day in our … Continue reading Sketch Class Results Lake Katherine March 2013
This is down stream from Waterfall Glen. You might remember last year's sketch in the springtime. With this sketch, I tried to get layer upon layer of watercolor distant trees to convey depth. I also love the way the stream is partially frozen, the bright white ice is the paper showing through, very easy to … Continue reading Stream and Bridge Watercolor Sketch – Waterfall Glen
Last week I ordered the book, Weeds and Wildflowers in Winter, by Lauren Brown. I can never have enough field books. I'm a field book addict 😉 Anyway, what did I have to do immediately?!? Collect some samples of course! Here are my samples. The first one is Aster, the next two I have no … Continue reading Dried Winter Wildflower and Weeds Sketch
Maple Lake A blustery day this was as I sat in my car and sketched from the parking area. I was waaaaay under dressed to be sitting outside for an hour painting. It was very windy, so windy that the waters were choppy and there were no reflections on the lake. Sometimes even a quick … Continue reading Maple Lake Watercolor Sketch
Last weekend I had the chance to take a road trip to Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL. It's the perfect get-a-way...not too far...not too close...1.5 hours from home is just right. I had the day planned (so I thought) by printing out a map and selecting many trails. Too many actually. I didn't come … Continue reading Roadtrip to Starved Rock and Sketch
Flight When on my bicycle I am the swallow. The wheels are my wings Propelling me faster. Swooping, swaying, hugging curves... The wind rushes through my hair. Faster. Faster. O tree swallow who needs no heap of metal...VICTORY! You, the acrobat in the sky While grounded still am I. Just a quick poem about how I … Continue reading Tree Swallow Sketch and Poem
