Magnolia and Dove

"Magnolia and Dove"

 8 x 8" charcoal and white pastel pencil on beige paper. A gift for a friend.

Tim: Portrait Commission

This portrait was commissioned by the subject, great character is evident!

"Tim" 20 x 16" carbon pencil on ivory French Rives paper.

Full composition

Detail

Cardinal

For my Mom. <3

5.5 x 3.5" brown ink and watercolor on paper.

Lily of the Vale

Walnut ink on vintage handmade paper, 14 x 10" 


And the 
Naiad-like lily of the vale,
Whom youth makes so fair and passion so pale 
~
Percy Bysshe 
Shelley,
from The 
Sensitive Plant 
Part 1

Galena Home and Studio

It was quite a transition from downtown Chicago studio to small town, and I am now feeling at home in my Galena apartment art studio. The lush, hilly landscape and close proximity of the Mississippi River lend artistic inspiration that cannot be rivaled elsewhere in Illinois. Springtime brings a show of blossoms in Victorian gardens. Summertime outdoor activities include bike paths, nature walks or boating on the Galena River. The changing colors of a wide variety of deciduous trees make autumn Galena's busiest season. Winter sports abound with cross country trails and downhill skiing.

Sometimes a quiet time of reflection in a beautiful space is all the inspiration we need. Daily sketches seed ideas to larger plans. Looking inward adds richness to the creative process. There is time and a place for peace and contemplation, and it is good.

I am grateful for my artistic friends. 

~ Welcome! ~ 

My apartment building last summer, Galena historic district.

Victorian interior suits my style and high ceilings suit my easel.

Restful colors and open floor plan.

Easel and desk, lots of natural light from high windows.

Original stained glass in the kitchen.

Espresso on demand. Life is good!

Latte at the drawing table, enjoying the comforts of home.

Gorgeous view from my kitchen window.

Looking forward to springtime on the three season porch and back patio.

Bouquet from the garden. I also have a raised bed for herbs and vegetables.

Pocket door detail, beauty wherever I look.

 

Drawing room, with a view! Plenty of room for entertaining and for teaching.

Botanical Drawings Book Project

 Beginnings ~ a book of botanical drawings. 

"...and then, I have nature and art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough?" ~ Vincent van Gogh

Unique vintage handmade sketchbook by Ericka Schmitt, an inspiring gift from my lovely friend Jane Guill. It's beautifully made and embellished - a pleasure to draw on the cotton rag paper.

 

 

 "...and the naiad - like the lily of the vale..." ~ Shelly 

Lily of the valley - Majalis "of or belonging to May." Mayfly naiad

walnut ink on 100% cotton rag, 5 x 7.5"

“So in the dark we hide the heart that bleeds,                                  And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds.”

~ Countee Cullen                          "Bleeding Heart and Goldfinch"

Snow Globe: This is Where I Live

 

 Galena, Illinois, Main Street