Featured Artworks
Quaking Aspen
Populus tremuloides
The quaking aspen tree, found in the eastern foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, displays a brilliant golden hue during fall. This scientific botanical illustration, capturing the seasonal life cycle of the tree, involved detailed research and study. To ensure accuracy, I closely examined numerous specimens over a period of two years. Detailed dissections of both male and female flowers unveiled their unique characteristics. Extensive sketches, precise drawings, color analysis, and composition planning preceded the commencement of the painting.
‘Quaking Aspen’ was recently accepted into the Society of Botanical Artists (SBA) Plantae 2024 exhibition, and I was honored to be awarded the SBA’s Certificate of Botanical Merit for the painting. The exhibition is available for viewing on the website www.sbaonlinegallery2024.oess1.uk.
Watercolor on Paper
14 x 17”
Midsummer
Penstemon x mexicali 'Pike's Peak Purple', Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'George Davison', Scrofularia macrantha, Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle', Lavandula angustifolia 'Beezee Dark Blue', Lavandula x intermedia 'Niko' PHENOMENAL
In midsummer, my garden is vibrant with various plants in shades of green and colorful flowers, creating a joyful atmosphere. Painting this project felt like working on six different artworks. I carefully observed and sketched each flower, experimented with colors for each plant, and painted them on lightly-veined, classic vellum to capture their vivid tones. Using a dry brush technique and small brushes, I painted each plant with many layers to bring out intricate details and lifelike colors. Through this 'Midsummer' painting, I aim to share the happiness of my summer garden with viewers.
I was deeply honored and thrilled when 'Midsummer' was chosen as the featured cover image for the December 2023 edition of The Botanical Artist, the journal of the American Association of Botanical Artists. In addition, this painting was recently selected for the Society of Botanical Artists Plantae 2024 exhibition.
Watercolor on Mounted Vellum
16 x 13” (22 x 19” framed)
East Troublesome Fireweed
Chamerion angustifolium, Pinus contorta
The East Troublesome Fire, a major wildfire in Colorado, started on October 14, 2020, near Troublesome Creek in Grand County. Strong winds spread the fire toward Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park, causing two deaths, burning 400+ buildings, and covering 193,812 acres, ranking as the state's second-largest fire.
Seven months after the fire, I hiked into the burn area in Rocky Mountain National Park. There I saw new plants growing; aspen sprouts emerged from surviving roots under burnt trees and many flowering plants thrived. One of these was fireweed. A primary wildfire recovery plant, fireweed helps prevent soil erosion, its flowers and new shoots support pollinators and animals, and it puts nutrients back in the soil enabling other species regrowth. I gathered a charred lodgepole pine branch and a piece of charcoal from the area which I used in depicting the twig and pinecones.
This artwork captures the profound impact of wildfires linked to climate change, while also emphasizing resilience and potential for regeneration. It was created for the Association of Botanical Artists ReflectionS online exhibition which was focused on the crucial role that plants play in preserving the planet's health and biodiversity, no plants - no planet. ‘East Troublesome Fireweed’ was among a juried selection of artworks from the exhibition that were digitally displayed at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in the UK.
Colored Pencil and Wildfire Charcoal on Paper
10 x 13”