Nature Portals

Well, Spring has sprung in these parts but I'm heading back into Winter tomorrow. I'll be flying out to Chicago for the weekend to show my support for a very dear little brother of mine, who just graduated from navy boot camp. So, away with the skirts and up with the thermals and wool socks!

My shop will remain open, but any purchases between now and the 21st will be shipped upon my return.

There are two places that I'm really really hoping to see in Chicago, and they are (of course) the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. I can't wait! Last month, I tripped around the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, WA and spent a probably unhealthy amount of time staring at fish and anemones. I don't think I ever even made it to the elephants.

Oh, and the meerkats too, of course. Good thing there was a thick wall of glass between us or else he would have mysteriously made his way home with me. This sly fellow is up to something, me thinks...

Though it's been slow going, I'm currently working out the details on a few paintings. I've also been spending a lot of time sketching and doodling away in my current sketchbook.

...My favorite Cousteau quote.
When I return, I'll be putting a handful of paintings in the shop from my most recent show at Bluebottle Gallery. And...perhaps a giveaway of one of the paintings? We shall see! Have a very delightful week, everyone! I'll see you soon!

Over Hill And Under Hill

Hey there.

Updating my blog has been on my to-do list for a while now and so I'm completely ashamed to just now be getting around to it. I do apologize for the absence!

I was doing so well in the beginning of January, as far as getting artwork completed or started. And then, the ever dreaded "art burnout" hit me smack in the head and I've been slowly working my way out of it. I typically go through a bit of a creative block immediately after a show, and this time was no different (it just occurred a little later than I was expecting). The biggest cure for me is to step outside and immerse myself with nature for a while. So that's what I've been doing!

While most of the US is having quite the hellish winter, here in the Pacific Northwest it's almost as if Winter just forgot about us completely. It's really weird. The temperatures are in the 50s-60s (our January was the warmest we've ever had in history) and the plants and trees are waking up from their slumber--over 3 months too early.

Cherry trees are blooming, bulbs are sprouting, and there's signs of lush, hyper-real, green newness everywhere you look. It's quite extraordinary!A couple days ago I trekked an hour north-westward to Dungeness for a wonderful walk. I always feel like Bilbo Baggins on his way to Rivendell when I hike those parts.Beautiful old trees......lots of mossy covered limbs......fungus growths of all sorts...
It's quite heavenly. And after a little 20 minute hike down the path, the trees part ways and you're left stunned by the ocean view.
It was a gorgeous day to be out there. Sunny and clear at first and then the gray afternoon storm clouds began to roll in from the coast.

Way, way out there is the Pacific Ocean.

All-in-all it was a wonderfully relaxing day trip and just the inspirational push I needed for my own creative bent.

Cheers to you, gang! Thank you so much for coming along.