From the time I first heard of them, I’ve been curious about oil sticks. Recently, I decided to get a small … More
Category: En Plein Aire
I Just Can’t Do It
My husband hates to hear “I can’t…” Unfortunately, I tend to say that a lot, far more than I should, … More
Not Plein Air
I have very mixed feelings about plein air painting. I love the idea of it. It sounds so … well, artsy. … More
The Tree on the Corner
I love trees. If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you already know that trees are among … More
Our Morning Time Together
First and foremost, let me begin by saying that, no, our cat Flower Child is not as fat as I’ve made … More
Behold… the Petunia
When I began learning to draw, I started by copying very simple illustrations of leaves and flowers. Now, as I … More
In the Garden
From time to time I see Facebook posts from artist friends who’ve gone outside to do a bit of plein … More
Opening Up
As you know, I recently went on a lovely field trip to a botanical garden as part of an art … More
At the Arboretum
I did it! I went plein air painting — not on a solitary hike at our nearby nature trails, but … More
Making More Marks
One of the most rewarding aspects of art is the joy that comes from sharing. I love when the young … More
Nature Journaling
I’m very glad I’ve learned the basic “how-to’s” of nature journaling. Although our weather was quite uncooperative for a while … More
Celebrating Earth Day
As a landscape artist and a lover of nature, I have a deep reverence and appreciation for Earth Day. This … More
Imitation or Representation – Art Philosophy
Recently I mentioned the connections between art and philosophy — a branch of study referred to as aesthetics. On this point, … More
Take Your Temperature
Over the last year, you’ve probably had your body temperature taken more than once. Temperature checks have become standard practice … More
I Stand Corrected
People make mistakes. I certainly do, especially when it comes to art. As I’m learning about drawing and painting, I … More
We’re Artists
On Monday evening I attended one of the first art club meetings since the start of the pandemic. The meeting … More
Painting the Prairie
I’m not a plein aire painter, as you probably know if you’ve read this blog for a while. That fact … More
Fast and Furious
Our midwestern weather is finally warming up. As I write this — on May Day — it’s close to eighty … More
Nature Sketching
Early this morning I drove to our City Park, one of my favorite places for hiking, sketching, and just communing … More
This Is Why I Don’t Do Plein Air
One thing that would help me in my art is plein air painting. It’s been suggested to me many times, and … More