I loved seeing these rocks and reflections from my kayak. Normally afternoon light isn’t very exciting, but that day the light made the water shimmer and dance and cast intriguing shadows and highlights on the rocks. Rocks in general have such a wonderful essence, they have been there and seen it all in their very long “lifetimes.” These rocks seemed particularly “noble” imagining all the storms and interactions with the sea they have experienced for millenia.

I loved the strength and majesty of this old tree. Madrones/Arbutus are one of my favorites, and I love the idea of how this particular tree has seen so much in its’ lifetime.

I loved the quiet hush that morning in this little cove.

I loved the quiet hush that morning in this little cove.

I was looking for a place to launch my kayak, when I was so taken with this scene of the sun bursting out on that beautiful morning. This is one of the things I love about painting, it not only keeps me more aware of my surroundings, always on the lookout for images to paint, but I get to enjoy the moment later on at my easel as well.

I loved the branches of the Madrone reaching for the sky and down the waters of the sound.

A beloved walk in Washington Park looking out at the San Juan Islands

This is one of the few oil paintings I have done. I was struck with the light and the patterns of light and dark as I was driving back to my campsite from the Wooden Boat Festival going on at Port Townsend, WA.

The old lighthouse and transparent water

A Great Blue Heron wading in the shallows at low tide on a sparkly morning

I was sitting in my kayak, so close to this fellow as he walked up and down the edge of the water, fishing for minnows. When he’d catch one, he’d wiggle his tail, when he missed, he’d heron-swear this funny squawk. He didn’t seem to mind me just a few yard away in the least.

This is a sweet little lake on Fidalgo Island, with a fellow enjoying an age-old pastime. I loved the light and contrast in the simple scene.

Each time I go to Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park, I’m always so pleased and excited to see something new. Different light, times of day, season, water and wind conditions–it’s such a dynamic environment and always changing. This day I was stopped in my tracks by the low angle of light striking the lovely old picnic shelter, built in the 1930’s by the CCC from local rocks and timber. I added the sea gulls to contribute to the sense of seeking shelter towards the end of the day.

There really is a bronze mermaid beneath the waters for divers in this lovely spot on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. I discovered this little cove by accident, and have returned many times since–I just love the polished granite and light of this place,
Watercolor 29″ x 20″

There really is a bronze mermaid beneath the waters for divers in this lovely spot on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. I discovered this little cove by accident, and have returned many times since–I just love the polished granite and light of this place,
Watercolor 29″ x 20″

An unseasonably warm day in February. I was out in my kayak and saw these boys playing on the rocks and was so happy to snap a photograph. Very blurry and terrible quality, but enough to help me remember this moment.

Winner at the Palouse Watercolor Socius nationally juried show.

Watercolor 20″ x 14″

A sweet little bay in the afternoon sun. Shall I go out on the water or just stay here in the shade with my book?

I loved the bright light backlighting these old bikes in their shed overlooking the sea and islands.

This painting holds a deep feeling for me, as a small group of us had just had a very touching conversation in this spot, some very meaningful “girl talk.” Sometimes being out in nature is the best way to address life’s challenges.