For this sketchbook session I used a series of anemone photos as references. I wanted to try to capture the different positions of the bloom in relation to the viewer. I had initially intended on darkening the background, but when i finished the shadows, I ultimately decided I liked the high contrast and kept the lighter pink in the background, matching the petals colors

Continuing with my new sketchbook habit, with a few tweaks. I have narrowed back down to one book at a time for this kind of experimenting, the Etchr brand with heavy paper. I’ve learned that as much as I want to paint fast, each layer does take some time, so I’ve given myself space for that - instead of requiring that I finish in the 45 minute block, I can sketch throughout the week and paint throughout the weekend as I have time. This has been nice, it has brought me back to painting more regularly which was a goal.

I forgot to take in progress pics for this one! Been playing with a slightly different palette of paints and combining tube watercolors with the Derwent Inktense pencils. Unlike watercolor pencils, there is no wax in these, and they are slightly opaque, which gives some really interesting opportunities for layering with watercolors.

I am working on developing a sketchbook habit. I have started two books. One Etchr brand, with heavy paper, that I am using for botanical sketches, and one lighter weight spiral bound Bee Paper brand, that I want to use for experimenting with decorative shapes and patterns. Consistency has been difficult, but I think I am just trying to figure out what kind of process works for me.

Trying to focus on some floral patterns this year, so this month I spent a little time just playing with paints, getting a feel for the shapes, and trying out some different colors and mediums. I also drew a lot of finches to create a pattern for Spoonflower’s 2025 collaboration with Pantone.

For this Burchfield study I wanted to explore his colors and shapes to try to understand how he creates such a strong feeling of nostalgia, and the passing of time using the strength and beauty of nature.

This month I’ve been drawing a lot of wings!

I love surrealism and try to pull that feeling into my work. I chose a hare and some passionflowers to express the feeling of chaotic good, that bit of randomness that brings change and growth.

This month I’ve been experimenting a little bit with process. I took this class taught by Marco Mazzoni and decided to try the process he shares with some botanical drawings.

And then I started drawing hares. I love their mischievous and chaotic energy, at any moment they might scurry away.

I’m always trying to improve and get my images closer to what I see in mind. This month I took Botanical Watercolor Painting taught by Helena Smyth at Domestika.

I’ve been wanting to do more botanical and floral patterns, and have been filling my sketchbook with lots of experiments with those subjects.

I’ve been exploring decorative arrangements, and small compositions while also experimenting with ink blocks and oil pastels.

For this project I hand-carved stamps, and scanned the results to create patterns with really great textures.