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Original water color paintings, botanical art and home goods featuring birds, wildlife and endangered species.

Picked up a brush again after two years thanks to my neighbor Mary, and of course Ashecroft #watercolorist #catart #ragdollcatlovers

Picked up a brush again after two years thanks to my neighbor Mary, and of course Ashecroft #watercolorist #catart #ragdollcatlovers

“And maggie discovered a shell that sang/ so sweetly she couldn’t remember her troubles and”
- E.E. Cummings

“And maggie discovered a shell that sang/ so sweetly she couldn’t remember her troubles and”
- E.E. Cummings

Using a fresh spring of Carolina jessamine to test out different pen nibs with freehand drawing. This plant is a great landscape vine for Southeast US because it’s a native plant that can fill in an area but doesn’t get invasive or too crazy. Also nice for some early spring yellow sunshine. #nativeplantsofnorthamerica #northcarolina #carolinajessamine #ncartist #crowquillpen #penandinkillustration # #Gelsemiumsempervirens

Using a fresh spring of Carolina jessamine to test out different pen nibs with freehand drawing. This plant is a great landscape vine for Southeast US because it’s a native plant that can fill in an area but doesn’t get invasive or too crazy. Also nice for some early spring yellow sunshine. #nativeplantsofnorthamerica #northcarolina #carolinajessamine #ncartist #crowquillpen #penandinkillustration # #Gelsemiumsempervirens

Working on a bunch of trillium varieties. They are getting messier as I progress. Lots of fun common names for this plant #wakerobin #littlesweetbetsy #toadshade #bashfultrillium #trillium #nativeplants #springephemerals #ncgardening #watercolorist #wetonwetpainting

Working on a bunch of trillium varieties. They are getting messier as I progress. Lots of fun common names for this plant #wakerobin #littlesweetbetsy #toadshade #bashfultrillium #trillium #nativeplants #springephemerals #ncgardening #watercolorist #wetonwetpainting

Some sanderlings enjoying the magic light at a boneyard beach on Capers Island off the coast of Charleston, SC. #sanderling #boneyardbeach #capersisland #charlestonphotographer #birdlover

Some sanderlings enjoying the magic light at a boneyard beach on Capers Island off the coast of Charleston, SC. #sanderling #boneyardbeach #capersisland #charlestonphotographer #birdlover

Whelk shells in Isle of Palms, SC.
#whelk #watercolorart #isleofpalmssc #beachvibes

Whelk shells in Isle of Palms, SC.
#whelk #watercolorart #isleofpalmssc #beachvibes

A gloomy day hummer. Male ruby-throated hummingbirds usually have a bright red neck and are tinier looking. But when it’s grey out the light doesn’t reflect on their feathers and their necks look black. Also like many birds they poof out their feathers when it’s cold. I’ll have this drawing and several other new birds, flowers, and handmade snowy pine cone ornaments at the @ncbotanicalgarden Craft Show Sunday Dec 4, 1-4 pm. #handmade #watercolor #ncartist #rubythroatedhummingbird #craftshow #holidayseason

A gloomy day hummer. Male ruby-throated hummingbirds usually have a bright red neck and are tinier looking. But when it’s grey out the light doesn’t reflect on their feathers and their necks look black. Also like many birds they poof out their feathers when it’s cold. I’ll have this drawing and several other new birds, flowers, and handmade snowy pine cone ornaments at the @ncbotanicalgarden Craft Show Sunday Dec 4, 1-4 pm. #handmade #watercolor #ncartist #rubythroatedhummingbird #craftshow #holidayseason

False foxglove or Agalinis purpurea is growing wild all over our meadows right now. Working on some new illustrations for my postcards @ncbotanicalgarden. Their amazing native plants sale is this weekend, so wish I could go but out of town… #nativeplants #ncartist #watercolor #Agalinis #foxglove #naturelovers

False foxglove or Agalinis purpurea is growing wild all over our meadows right now. Working on some new illustrations for my postcards @ncbotanicalgarden. Their amazing native plants sale is this weekend, so wish I could go but out of town… #nativeplants #ncartist #watercolor #Agalinis #foxglove #naturelovers

Finished another commission, an American Crow. This is a bird that we see all the time so it’s easy to overlook, but they are incredibly smart and interesting birds. I’ve often seen a pack of crows chase away a much larger hawk who was in their territory. And you can find videos of crows bending sticks into hook shapes that they can use as tools to dig out food.

Now that I’ve finished this painting, I’ll be preparing for the craft show this Saturday 11 am - 5 pm @ncbotanicalgarden where I’ll have a table with notecards, prints and some one of-a-kind art objects. The weather looks gorgeous and I’m excited to hang out in the garden with some local crafters 😄. #crow #corvus #birder #blackbirdsofinstagram #birdlover #ncartist #chapelhill #watercolorillustrator #craftshow

Finished another commission, an American Crow. This is a bird that we see all the time so it’s easy to overlook, but they are incredibly smart and interesting birds. I’ve often seen a pack of crows chase away a much larger hawk who was in their territory. And you can find videos of crows bending sticks into hook shapes that they can use as tools to dig out food.

Now that I’ve finished this painting, I’ll be preparing for the craft show this Saturday 11 am - 5 pm @ncbotanicalgarden where I’ll have a table with notecards, prints and some one of-a-kind art objects. The weather looks gorgeous and I’m excited to hang out in the garden with some local crafters 😄. #crow #corvus #birder #blackbirdsofinstagram #birdlover #ncartist #chapelhill #watercolorillustrator #craftshow

Learned some cool things about moose while working on this painting. The name comes from an Algonquin word “moosu” which I’ve seen translated as ‘bark stripper’ or ‘eater of twigs’. As giant and strong as moose are, they eat a plant-based diet including willow, aspen, balsam and aquatic greens. As their oversized nose and ears suggest, moose are very sensitive to scents and sounds, but less acute with their little eyes. American moose range in cold northern parts of the U.S. and Canada. Not surprisingly their global warming threat is overly hot weather when they are disinclined to forage for food. They also have a problem with tick overpopulations that can cause serious blood loss. Although the Wilson’s warblers shown here are artistic liscense, magpie birds are often seen on top of moose. #watercolor #wildlifeartist #naturelovers #alaskawildlife #moose #alcesalces #wilsonswarbler #birder

Learned some cool things about moose while working on this painting. The name comes from an Algonquin word “moosu” which I’ve seen translated as ‘bark stripper’ or ‘eater of twigs’. As giant and strong as moose are, they eat a plant-based diet including willow, aspen, balsam and aquatic greens. As their oversized nose and ears suggest, moose are very sensitive to scents and sounds, but less acute with their little eyes. American moose range in cold northern parts of the U.S. and Canada. Not surprisingly their global warming threat is overly hot weather when they are disinclined to forage for food. They also have a problem with tick overpopulations that can cause serious blood loss. Although the Wilson’s warblers shown here are artistic liscense, magpie birds are often seen on top of moose. #watercolor #wildlifeartist #naturelovers #alaskawildlife #moose #alcesalces #wilsonswarbler #birder

Working out the details for a commissioned illustration of an Alaskan moose with Wilson’s warblers. I just learned that moose are the largest members of the deer family and bulls can get up 1400 pounds and 7 ft tall. In contrast, Wilson’s are one of the smallest warblers. Both can be found in the farthest ranges of western North American, although it is rare to find them whispering secrets to each other. #alcesalces #bullmoose #artcommission #wipart #watercolor #alaska #wilsonswarbler #wildlifeartist

Working out the details for a commissioned illustration of an Alaskan moose with Wilson’s warblers. I just learned that moose are the largest members of the deer family and bulls can get up 1400 pounds and 7 ft tall. In contrast, Wilson’s are one of the smallest warblers. Both can be found in the farthest ranges of western North American, although it is rare to find them whispering secrets to each other. #alcesalces #bullmoose #artcommission #wipart #watercolor #alaska #wilsonswarbler #wildlifeartist

Studio assistant Ozzie helped me with a photo shoot for Castilleja integra today. We checked out how the painting would look hung up in his cat tower. As an aside we got him as a feral kitten, and towers, trees or high up places are essential for cats like him to feel safe.

As for Castilleja integra, this plant is known as prairie-fire, Indian paintbrush, or wholeleaf paintbrush. It of course looks like paintbrush full of bright color, but also the Zuni and Apache indigenous peoples used the roots to dye deerskins black. Speaking of the Zuni, they are known for making little carved animals or fetishes that are absolutely amazing looking. I’ve seen them at museums like the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, which is my favorite museum in Washington DC. #prairiefire #Castilleja #southwestplants #indianpaintbrush #redwildflowers #watercolorflowers #wholeleafpaintbrush #smithsoniannmai

Studio assistant Ozzie helped me with a photo shoot for Castilleja integra today. We checked out how the painting would look hung up in his cat tower. As an aside we got him as a feral kitten, and towers, trees or high up places are essential for cats like him to feel safe.

As for Castilleja integra, this plant is known as prairie-fire, Indian paintbrush, or wholeleaf paintbrush. It of course looks like paintbrush full of bright color, but also the Zuni and Apache indigenous peoples used the roots to dye deerskins black. Speaking of the Zuni, they are known for making little carved animals or fetishes that are absolutely amazing looking. I’ve seen them at museums like the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, which is my favorite museum in Washington DC. #prairiefire #Castilleja #southwestplants #indianpaintbrush #redwildflowers #watercolorflowers #wholeleafpaintbrush #smithsoniannmai

Southwestern prickly poppy (Argemone pleiacantha) is one of several very similar species growing in dry prairies. The name comes from Argema, the Greek word for eye cataract, so presumably the plant was somehow a remedy. All parts of the plant are poisonous though, and the sharp prickers all over the stems and leaves are a good deterrent to hungry wildlife. #pricklypoppy #argemonepleiacantha #southwestwildflowers #watercolorflowers #nativeplants #arizona #newmexico

Southwestern prickly poppy (Argemone pleiacantha) is one of several very similar species growing in dry prairies. The name comes from Argema, the Greek word for eye cataract, so presumably the plant was somehow a remedy. All parts of the plant are poisonous though, and the sharp prickers all over the stems and leaves are a good deterrent to hungry wildlife. #pricklypoppy #argemonepleiacantha #southwestwildflowers #watercolorflowers #nativeplants #arizona #newmexico

It’s going to take a lot of gummy candy to fuel the effort, but I’m slowly adding a new collection of Southwest Native plant species to my print shop @society6. I have about 30 paintings currently sitting in a drawer that I’m beginning to post. Shown here is Mentzelia multifloria, which goes by a lot of names including Adonis blazing star, prairie stickleaf and the more reliable Latin name Mentzelia multiflora. The lemon yellow flowers can get up to 2 inches wide and the stems are a little odd for being whitish. It’s found in sandy desert areas throughout the Southwest. #mentzeliamultiflora #adonisblazingstar #prairie #desert #watercolor #botanicalillustration #southwestplants

It’s going to take a lot of gummy candy to fuel the effort, but I’m slowly adding a new collection of Southwest Native plant species to my print shop @society6. I have about 30 paintings currently sitting in a drawer that I’m beginning to post. Shown here is Mentzelia multifloria, which goes by a lot of names including Adonis blazing star, prairie stickleaf and the more reliable Latin name Mentzelia multiflora. The lemon yellow flowers can get up to 2 inches wide and the stems are a little odd for being whitish. It’s found in sandy desert areas throughout the Southwest. #mentzeliamultiflora #adonisblazingstar #prairie #desert #watercolor #botanicalillustration #southwestplants

An early pokeweed sprig inspired by an article in today’s NYTimes - “How Black Foragers Find Freedom in the Natural World”. Larry Gholston talks about preparing pokeweed leaves (Phytolacca americana) to eat. It’s notoriously toxic and and as a forager once explained to me - you can only learn how to prepare it properly from your Gramma’s Gramma’s Gramma. The article also highlights Alexis Nikole Nelson @blackforager, who is a self described Woman Fairy and my absolute favorite thing on Instagram. Her knowledge of preparing wild plants is incredible, and her authentic joyousness is exhilarating. This was a very quick freehand sketch from a large pokeweed shrub growing in my yard. Right now most of the berries are bright green, but they’ll soon turn dark purple and are toxic to humans (it’s usually only the leaves that are eaten and only with expert knowledge). A similar looking purple wild berry, Elderberry, is edible, very easy to grow and a favorite of songbirds. #pokeweed #Phytolaccaamericana #wildharvesting #foraging #nativeplantsofnorthamerica #botanicalillustration #watercolorillustration #northcarolina #elderberry

An early pokeweed sprig inspired by an article in today’s NYTimes - “How Black Foragers Find Freedom in the Natural World”. Larry Gholston talks about preparing pokeweed leaves (Phytolacca americana) to eat. It’s notoriously toxic and and as a forager once explained to me - you can only learn how to prepare it properly from your Gramma’s Gramma’s Gramma. The article also highlights Alexis Nikole Nelson @blackforager, who is a self described Woman Fairy and my absolute favorite thing on Instagram. Her knowledge of preparing wild plants is incredible, and her authentic joyousness is exhilarating. This was a very quick freehand sketch from a large pokeweed shrub growing in my yard. Right now most of the berries are bright green, but they’ll soon turn dark purple and are toxic to humans (it’s usually only the leaves that are eaten and only with expert knowledge). A similar looking purple wild berry, Elderberry, is edible, very easy to grow and a favorite of songbirds. #pokeweed #Phytolaccaamericana #wildharvesting #foraging #nativeplantsofnorthamerica #botanicalillustration #watercolorillustration #northcarolina #elderberry

By far the hardest part of a painting for me is creating the quiet, interrupted space to work. And also finding inspiration. This morning I found it in the garden, and thanks @goodfellowart for always appreciating my botanicals.
This combo includes penstemon, iris, a David Austen rose, clematis and wisteria frutescens. Important to note this is a Southeast native variety unlike the purple wisteria which is very invasive here. #floralwatercolor #botanicalgardens #springgarden #purpleiris #davidaustinroses #penstemon #clematis #bouquetoftheday #wisteriafrutescens

By far the hardest part of a painting for me is creating the quiet, interrupted space to work. And also finding inspiration. This morning I found it in the garden, and thanks @goodfellowart for always appreciating my botanicals.
This combo includes penstemon, iris, a David Austen rose, clematis and wisteria frutescens. Important to note this is a Southeast native variety unlike the purple wisteria which is very invasive here. #floralwatercolor #botanicalgardens #springgarden #purpleiris #davidaustinroses #penstemon #clematis #bouquetoftheday #wisteriafrutescens

Really happy to have finished another bird today. An adult Cooper’s Hawk, quite similar to a Sharp shinned hawk, but this one has a blockier head, plus a longer and more rounded tail. So much of both my art and naturalist skills are self-taught and painting birds is a super helpful way for me to learn them and get better at ID-ing them. Last week when I was driving home on a country road I noticed the distinctive white head and black body of a large bald eagle gnawing on an opossum carcus in a tree just above me (I turned the car around and drove back to watch it). I think if I hadn’t been learning about raptors I may not have even noticed the eagle, and it ended up being a highlight of an otherwise dull quarantine day. #coopershawk #raptors #birdwatching #birders #naturelovers #watercolor #illustration #penandink #ncartist

Really happy to have finished another bird today. An adult Cooper’s Hawk, quite similar to a Sharp shinned hawk, but this one has a blockier head, plus a longer and more rounded tail. So much of both my art and naturalist skills are self-taught and painting birds is a super helpful way for me to learn them and get better at ID-ing them. Last week when I was driving home on a country road I noticed the distinctive white head and black body of a large bald eagle gnawing on an opossum carcus in a tree just above me (I turned the car around and drove back to watch it). I think if I hadn’t been learning about raptors I may not have even noticed the eagle, and it ended up being a highlight of an otherwise dull quarantine day. #coopershawk #raptors #birdwatching #birders #naturelovers #watercolor #illustration #penandink #ncartist

Here’s something a little different - I painted this pair of used pointe shoes as part of a fundraiser for Charlotte Youth Ballet. The outreach will help young dancers who can’t afford classes or transportation. I first covered the shoes in acrylic ground, then used watercolor paint to create this pattern based on an 18th century botanical motif Persian fabric. It was fun to kind of combine art with dance, and I really love any chance to help kids express themselves through movement. #pointeshoeproject #charlotteyouthballet #watercolor #acrylicmedium #northcarolinaartist #balletshoes

Here’s something a little different - I painted this pair of used pointe shoes as part of a fundraiser for Charlotte Youth Ballet. The outreach will help young dancers who can’t afford classes or transportation. I first covered the shoes in acrylic ground, then used watercolor paint to create this pattern based on an 18th century botanical motif Persian fabric. It was fun to kind of combine art with dance, and I really love any chance to help kids express themselves through movement. #pointeshoeproject #charlotteyouthballet #watercolor #acrylicmedium #northcarolinaartist #balletshoes

Finally got organized enough to put together mixed sets of my North American native wildflower botanical illustrations. Because hand written notes are the antidote for zoom fatigue ;) #nativeplants #botanicalillustration #northamericanwildlife #wildflowers #floral #northcarolinaartist

Finally got organized enough to put together mixed sets of my North American native wildflower botanical illustrations. Because hand written notes are the antidote for zoom fatigue ;) #nativeplants #botanicalillustration #northamericanwildlife #wildflowers #floral #northcarolinaartist

Sketching catnip on a cooler and lightly raining late summer morning. The hummingbirds buzzing outside my studio window love this plant, although the true fans are my cats of course. Today my thoughts and heart are with friends who lost a family member this week. I think of you and I also think of the many many people I don’t know who have just lost someone - my heart goes out to all of you... #catnip #nepetacataria #herbgarden #watercolorsketch #ncartist

Sketching catnip on a cooler and lightly raining late summer morning. The hummingbirds buzzing outside my studio window love this plant, although the true fans are my cats of course. Today my thoughts and heart are with friends who lost a family member this week. I think of you and I also think of the many many people I don’t know who have just lost someone - my heart goes out to all of you... #catnip #nepetacataria #herbgarden #watercolorsketch #ncartist

Some southwest U.S. native species that are great for drought resistance and also hummingbird favorites - Autumn sage (Salvia greggii), and licorice mint hyssop (Agastache rupestris). Not that drought resistance seems necessary this year in North Carolina where it seems to have thunderstormed every evening for the entire summer. #agastache #salvia #hummingbirdgarden #nativeplants #botanicalillustration #watercolorillustration #watercolorflowers #xeriscapegarden #droughttolerantplants #northcarolinaartist

Some southwest U.S. native species that are great for drought resistance and also hummingbird favorites - Autumn sage (Salvia greggii), and licorice mint hyssop (Agastache rupestris). Not that drought resistance seems necessary this year in North Carolina where it seems to have thunderstormed every evening for the entire summer. #agastache #salvia #hummingbirdgarden #nativeplants #botanicalillustration #watercolorillustration #watercolorflowers #xeriscapegarden #droughttolerantplants #northcarolinaartist

Summer cherries, mini plums and nectarines - this set up literally got attacked by ants while I was painting it today! The cool part of working on all these deep reds was figuring out what colors to combine - so many blues and purple plus about eight slightly varying reds I had in my palette. Sometimes it’s worth using just three colors for a whole painting but I mostly wanted to have fun today ;) #summerfruit #blackcherry #plums #nectarines #watercolor #colorstudy #summerart

Summer cherries, mini plums and nectarines - this set up literally got attacked by ants while I was painting it today! The cool part of working on all these deep reds was figuring out what colors to combine - so many blues and purple plus about eight slightly varying reds I had in my palette. Sometimes it’s worth using just three colors for a whole painting but I mostly wanted to have fun today ;) #summerfruit #blackcherry #plums #nectarines #watercolor #colorstudy #summerart

The Wood Thrush, a U.S. native bird species is beloved by many for its beautiful song. Populations of this bird have declined by 60% over the past 50 or so years. Mostly the cause is habitat fragmentation - which generally means large swaths of forest being broken down into smaller disconnected sections due to construction development. In my yard I’m more likely to see the hermit thrush, a little bit smaller cousin to this one. #woodthrush #birdlovers #watercolor #birdart #wildlifeprotection #natureart #northcarolina #artist

The Wood Thrush, a U.S. native bird species is beloved by many for its beautiful song. Populations of this bird have declined by 60% over the past 50 or so years. Mostly the cause is habitat fragmentation - which generally means large swaths of forest being broken down into smaller disconnected sections due to construction development. In my yard I’m more likely to see the hermit thrush, a little bit smaller cousin to this one. #woodthrush #birdlovers #watercolor #birdart #wildlifeprotection #natureart #northcarolina #artist

Daydreaming about the cooling ocean waves on a recent trip to Holden Beach, NC....on a day that it’s hot as can be here at home. Also enjoying painting with these cool grays and blues that are such a contrast to the super vivid green outside the window. #shells #watercolorpainting #holdenbeachnc #ncartist #beachart #summertime

Daydreaming about the cooling ocean waves on a recent trip to Holden Beach, NC....on a day that it’s hot as can be here at home. Also enjoying painting with these cool grays and blues that are such a contrast to the super vivid green outside the window. #shells #watercolorpainting #holdenbeachnc #ncartist #beachart #summertime

I've loved Red-winged Blackbirds since I was child and often heard their call around the sea marshes of Long Island Sound. I was moved to paint this one in honor of all the amazing black birders who told their stories during #blackbirdersweek. I was struck by a quote I read by J. Drew Lanham, "Black birds - any black birds - are your birds......They're largely ignored because of their ubiquity and often persecuted because of stereotype and misunderstanding". So I'd like to tell the truth about the Red-winged Blackbird - it can display astonishing courage. When a huge, dangerous predator like the American Eagle gets too close to a Red-winged Blackbird nest, the much smaller bird will bravely pursue the fierce raptor and clear it from the area. I've actually seen photos of Red-winged Blackbirds sitting on the back of an eagle.
I realize it's a small contribution, but to show support for black birders I'm donating 100% of sales of this print to Black Lives Matter.
If you have not yet explored #blackbirdersweek and #birdingwhileblack, you will find so many cool people and birds there. And also follow @blackafinstem.
#Redwingedblackbird #Agelaius phoeniceus #AmericanBeachGrass #Ammophilabreviligulata #blackbird #birdarts

I've loved Red-winged Blackbirds since I was child and often heard their call around the sea marshes of Long Island Sound. I was moved to paint this one in honor of all the amazing black birders who told their stories during #blackbirdersweek. I was struck by a quote I read by J. Drew Lanham, "Black birds - any black birds - are your birds......They're largely ignored because of their ubiquity and often persecuted because of stereotype and misunderstanding". So I'd like to tell the truth about the Red-winged Blackbird - it can display astonishing courage. When a huge, dangerous predator like the American Eagle gets too close to a Red-winged Blackbird nest, the much smaller bird will bravely pursue the fierce raptor and clear it from the area. I've actually seen photos of Red-winged Blackbirds sitting on the back of an eagle.
I realize it's a small contribution, but to show support for black birders I'm donating 100% of sales of this print to Black Lives Matter.
If you have not yet explored #blackbirdersweek and #birdingwhileblack, you will find so many cool people and birds there. And also follow @blackafinstem.
#Redwingedblackbird #Agelaius phoeniceus #AmericanBeachGrass #Ammophilabreviligulata #blackbird #birdarts

Working on prints for several orders today, including this little cerulean warbler on a redbud branch. Cerulean warbler populations have declined significantly within the past 50 years. In North America they breed in old stands of Appalachian forest and they’ve been affected by mining practices in the region. On their migration route through the Gulf of Mexico they also have problems with wind farms. Fortunately, both the U.S. and South American countries have been working together to protect the range of these beautiful little birds. #ceruleanwarbler #birdart #watercolor #redbudtree #birdconservation #wildlifeartist

Working on prints for several orders today, including this little cerulean warbler on a redbud branch. Cerulean warbler populations have declined significantly within the past 50 years. In North America they breed in old stands of Appalachian forest and they’ve been affected by mining practices in the region. On their migration route through the Gulf of Mexico they also have problems with wind farms. Fortunately, both the U.S. and South American countries have been working together to protect the range of these beautiful little birds. #ceruleanwarbler #birdart #watercolor #redbudtree #birdconservation #wildlifeartist

Some days I’m drawn to certain colors and today bright canary yellows kept catching my eye. I think a lot of gardeners do this, but at least once a day I go out and examine all the different things I’ve planted. I picked this little collection from my vegetable garden - all edible flowers that would be pretty on a salad. #victorygarden #edibleflowers #springflowers #naturebeauty #flowerphotography #gardenersofinstagram #yellow💛 #northcarolina

Some days I’m drawn to certain colors and today bright canary yellows kept catching my eye. I think a lot of gardeners do this, but at least once a day I go out and examine all the different things I’ve planted. I picked this little collection from my vegetable garden - all edible flowers that would be pretty on a salad. #victorygarden #edibleflowers #springflowers #naturebeauty #flowerphotography #gardenersofinstagram #yellow💛 #northcarolina

A quick freehand drawing with ink and watercolor - had to work fast as these flowers started to wilt immediately. All native plants including blue phlox, field pussy toes, white dogwood, eastern columbine and lyre leaf sage. #wildflowers #watercolorart #springflowers #penandink #northcarolinaartist #columbineflower #dogwood #bluephlox #botanicalillustration #nativeplantsofnorthamerica

A quick freehand drawing with ink and watercolor - had to work fast as these flowers started to wilt immediately. All native plants including blue phlox, field pussy toes, white dogwood, eastern columbine and lyre leaf sage. #wildflowers #watercolorart #springflowers #penandink #northcarolinaartist #columbineflower #dogwood #bluephlox #botanicalillustration #nativeplantsofnorthamerica

A little project today included wandering the backyard looking for wildflowers to paint. The big reward was coming across our resident kingfisher zooming around the pond make his crazy chattery noise. I’ve also been spotting some tiny blue grey gnatcatchers around there, another zippy bird #wildflowers #springflowers #backyardbirding #naturelovers #flowersofinstagram #homesteadinglife #springbouquet #flowering

A little project today included wandering the backyard looking for wildflowers to paint. The big reward was coming across our resident kingfisher zooming around the pond make his crazy chattery noise. I’ve also been spotting some tiny blue grey gnatcatchers around there, another zippy bird #wildflowers #springflowers #backyardbirding #naturelovers #flowersofinstagram #homesteadinglife #springbouquet #flowering

Two of my Spring favorites here, apple blossom and native pinxterbloom azalea. I love their delicate colors and promise of a new beginning. #pinkazalea #appleblossom #naturelovers #springblossom #northcarolinaspring #watercolor #botanicalartlovers #floralillustration #artistic #pinkflowers

Two of my Spring favorites here, apple blossom and native pinxterbloom azalea. I love their delicate colors and promise of a new beginning. #pinkazalea #appleblossom #naturelovers #springblossom #northcarolinaspring #watercolor #botanicalartlovers #floralillustration #artistic #pinkflowers

Just finished this eastern wild turkey commission. A conservation success story, this U.S. native bird numbered only in the 30,000 range in the early 1900’s, and now the population is estimated at 7 million. An authentically American bird, wild turkeys were important to Native American culture and were considered sacred by some tribes. Ben Franklin privately preferred the “respectable” wild turkey as a more fitting national symbol then the bald eagle, a bird he considered to be “of Bad moral Character”. #wildturkey #birdillustration #wildlifeart #birdlovers #watercolor #nativeamerican #northcarolinaartist @joe_benton_outdoors

Just finished this eastern wild turkey commission. A conservation success story, this U.S. native bird numbered only in the 30,000 range in the early 1900’s, and now the population is estimated at 7 million. An authentically American bird, wild turkeys were important to Native American culture and were considered sacred by some tribes. Ben Franklin privately preferred the “respectable” wild turkey as a more fitting national symbol then the bald eagle, a bird he considered to be “of Bad moral Character”. #wildturkey #birdillustration #wildlifeart #birdlovers #watercolor #nativeamerican #northcarolinaartist @joe_benton_outdoors

One my favorite trail running buddies - always has a good attitude, never complains, doesn’t give up, eager to please. #animalinspiration #attitudeiseverything #petportrait #watercolor #chocolatelab #runningmotivation #northcarolinaartist @jstein8

One my favorite trail running buddies - always has a good attitude, never complains, doesn’t give up, eager to please. #animalinspiration #attitudeiseverything #petportrait #watercolor #chocolatelab #runningmotivation #northcarolinaartist @jstein8

Just finished a commissioned painting of Dryas octopetala or mountain avens. The Latin name explains a lot about this plant - octopetala refers to the eight petaled flower which is very unusual in the Rosacea (rose) family. Dryas refers to dryads or wood nymphs that lived near oak trees which have leaves similar to this plant. The late glacial climate periods in Europe were named Dryas after this mountain avens, which survived in barren rocky areas during the coldest conditions. Today Dryas octopetala is found mostly in arctic regions, so it will be interesting to see how it is affected as the climate shifts. #dryasoctopetala #mountainavens #arcticplants #arctic #watercolor #botanicalillustration #nativeplants #alaskanflowers #scienceillustration #customart

Just finished a commissioned painting of Dryas octopetala or mountain avens. The Latin name explains a lot about this plant - octopetala refers to the eight petaled flower which is very unusual in the Rosacea (rose) family. Dryas refers to dryads or wood nymphs that lived near oak trees which have leaves similar to this plant. The late glacial climate periods in Europe were named Dryas after this mountain avens, which survived in barren rocky areas during the coldest conditions. Today Dryas octopetala is found mostly in arctic regions, so it will be interesting to see how it is affected as the climate shifts. #dryasoctopetala #mountainavens #arcticplants #arctic #watercolor #botanicalillustration #nativeplants #alaskanflowers #scienceillustration #customart

Finished my arctic fox holiday card today, just in time to post in my shop for ah, next year. Oh well. Arctic foxes are one of my favorite animals. Kind of a cross between a cat and dog they have amazing adaptions for the cold, including extra thick paw fur and short snouts so they can curl up in a ball to fend off extreme subzero temperatures and wind. Their favorite food is a little calico mouse called a lemming. I saw some arctic foxes this year at the N.C. zoo while in their dark colored summer fur. Obviously as snow melts in the arctic regions these very specialized animals will need to either adapt or become extinct. #arcticfox #northpole #arctic #endangeredspecies #holidaycardmaking #happyholidays2019 #watercolor #wildlifeartist

Finished my arctic fox holiday card today, just in time to post in my shop for ah, next year. Oh well. Arctic foxes are one of my favorite animals. Kind of a cross between a cat and dog they have amazing adaptions for the cold, including extra thick paw fur and short snouts so they can curl up in a ball to fend off extreme subzero temperatures and wind. Their favorite food is a little calico mouse called a lemming. I saw some arctic foxes this year at the N.C. zoo while in their dark colored summer fur. Obviously as snow melts in the arctic regions these very specialized animals will need to either adapt or become extinct. #arcticfox #northpole #arctic #endangeredspecies #holidaycardmaking #happyholidays2019 #watercolor #wildlifeartist

Had some fun doing my first pet portrait commission! I feel like I need to paint each of my three cats now so they don’t get jealous. But next up I’m excited to work on a commission to paint a special wildflower that grows in the arctic. #petportrait #watercolor #germanshepard #customart #dogsofinstagram #doglovers #wildlifeillustration #dogartwork

Had some fun doing my first pet portrait commission! I feel like I need to paint each of my three cats now so they don’t get jealous. But next up I’m excited to work on a commission to paint a special wildflower that grows in the arctic. #petportrait #watercolor #germanshepard #customart #dogsofinstagram #doglovers #wildlifeillustration #dogartwork

There is something so sweet and old timey about Lily of the Valley flowers, I know they make me think of my grandmother. Lily of the Valley are common natives of northern Asia and Europe, but I was really surprised to learn that a rare endemic species, the Appalachian Lily of the Valley (Convallaria pseudomajalis), is native to North Carolina. Often used in wedding bouquets, Lily of the Valley flowers have long been a symbol of new beginnings, renewal and happiness. #lilyofthevalley #wildlifeillustration #watercolor #naturelover #woodlandgarden #nativeplants #oldfashionedflowers #northcarolinaartist

There is something so sweet and old timey about Lily of the Valley flowers, I know they make me think of my grandmother. Lily of the Valley are common natives of northern Asia and Europe, but I was really surprised to learn that a rare endemic species, the Appalachian Lily of the Valley (Convallaria pseudomajalis), is native to North Carolina. Often used in wedding bouquets, Lily of the Valley flowers have long been a symbol of new beginnings, renewal and happiness. #lilyofthevalley #wildlifeillustration #watercolor #naturelover #woodlandgarden #nativeplants #oldfashionedflowers #northcarolinaartist

Purple asters offering up the last color in the garden as colder weather approaches #purpleaster #botanicalillustration #nativeplants #penandink #croquill #watercolor #purplewildflower #naturelovers

Purple asters offering up the last color in the garden as colder weather approaches #purpleaster #botanicalillustration #nativeplants #penandink #croquill #watercolor #purplewildflower #naturelovers

Prothonotary warbler, a little yellow songbird that I believe is also known locally here in NC as a golden warbler. These warblers are a species of concern due to loss of habitat, and by getting outcompeted by more aggressive birds like house wrens and cowbirds. Interestingly Prothonotary warblers nest in tree cavities made by other birds including another little guy, the downy woodpecker. They are protected in South Carolina. I feel like I could do some more work on this painting, but with watercolor a little unfinished is better then over finished and muddy. The tide can so quickly turn from one to the other. #Prothonotarywarbler #songbirds #warblers #birdlovers #birder #watercolor #birdart #penandink #northcarolina

Prothonotary warbler, a little yellow songbird that I believe is also known locally here in NC as a golden warbler. These warblers are a species of concern due to loss of habitat, and by getting outcompeted by more aggressive birds like house wrens and cowbirds. Interestingly Prothonotary warblers nest in tree cavities made by other birds including another little guy, the downy woodpecker. They are protected in South Carolina. I feel like I could do some more work on this painting, but with watercolor a little unfinished is better then over finished and muddy. The tide can so quickly turn from one to the other. #Prothonotarywarbler #songbirds #warblers #birdlovers #birder #watercolor #birdart #penandink #northcarolina

At first I thought these two Bald Eagles were discussing putting technique, but it turns out a broken sprinkler created a water hole that they regularly drink from. A caddie explained that they are often joined by a “much bigger” Golden Eagle. I came across the big raptors while bike riding along a low tide beach in Kiawah Island, SC, and as exciting as it was to see them, it’s also a perfect illustration of the “loss of natural habitat” that so many birds now face. #baldeagle #endangeredspecies #raptorsofinstagram #puttinggreen #birder #kiawahisland #southcarolinacoast #habitatloss #birdstagram #birdphotography #birdlovers

At first I thought these two Bald Eagles were discussing putting technique, but it turns out a broken sprinkler created a water hole that they regularly drink from. A caddie explained that they are often joined by a “much bigger” Golden Eagle. I came across the big raptors while bike riding along a low tide beach in Kiawah Island, SC, and as exciting as it was to see them, it’s also a perfect illustration of the “loss of natural habitat” that so many birds now face. #baldeagle #endangeredspecies #raptorsofinstagram #puttinggreen #birder #kiawahisland #southcarolinacoast #habitatloss #birdstagram #birdphotography #birdlovers

I first saw Bufflehead ducks in person at one of the winter birding mornings at Cane Creek in North Carolina. They are very small and pretty adorable as they dive underwater and bob back up in a different spot. Buffleheads nest in little tree cavities made by woodpeckers that larger ducks can't fit into. They are more common in Canada and Alaska but can be found throughout the U.S. #bufflehead #ducks #birdart #duckillustration #penandink #watercolorart #northcarolina #canecreeknc #birding

I first saw Bufflehead ducks in person at one of the winter birding mornings at Cane Creek in North Carolina. They are very small and pretty adorable as they dive underwater and bob back up in a different spot. Buffleheads nest in little tree cavities made by woodpeckers that larger ducks can't fit into. They are more common in Canada and Alaska but can be found throughout the U.S. #bufflehead #ducks #birdart #duckillustration #penandink #watercolorart #northcarolina #canecreeknc #birding

Print proofing extravaganza. Trying to calibrate a new printer by making a ton of proofs, and I’m pretty sure no one else could tell the differences but me. #botanicalprints #nativeplants #purplewildflowers #skullcap #thistle #georgiaaster #artprintsset #flower #nature #botanicalillustration#farmhousestyle

Print proofing extravaganza. Trying to calibrate a new printer by making a ton of proofs, and I’m pretty sure no one else could tell the differences but me. #botanicalprints #nativeplants #purplewildflowers #skullcap #thistle #georgiaaster #artprintsset #flower #nature #botanicalillustration#farmhousestyle

In North Carolina our main native hummingbird is the Ruby-Throated, Archilochus colubris. I very much love watching them from my window - their sweet little tiny bodies either zippy darting around or resting on a slim branch. I have a hard time keeping up with their sugar water feeder in the summer heat, so instead I've been planting native plants to attract them and give them something special to eat. The Scarlet Sage or Salvia coccinea, shown here is definitely a favorite. Especially in South America many species of hummingbirds are in grave decline, but fortunately the Ruby-throated hummingbirds are showing the opposite trend with generally strong populations. #rubythroatedhummingbird #hummingbirdart #watercolor #redsage #nativeplants #northcarolina #wildlifeart #birdart #birdsofinstagram #birdsandblooms

In North Carolina our main native hummingbird is the Ruby-Throated, Archilochus colubris. I very much love watching them from my window - their sweet little tiny bodies either zippy darting around or resting on a slim branch. I have a hard time keeping up with their sugar water feeder in the summer heat, so instead I've been planting native plants to attract them and give them something special to eat. The Scarlet Sage or Salvia coccinea, shown here is definitely a favorite. Especially in South America many species of hummingbirds are in grave decline, but fortunately the Ruby-throated hummingbirds are showing the opposite trend with generally strong populations. #rubythroatedhummingbird #hummingbirdart #watercolor #redsage #nativeplants #northcarolina #wildlifeart #birdart #birdsofinstagram #birdsandblooms

Finally getting around to scanning so many drawers-full of original paintings! These crab claws are back from my days on the barren wintry beaches of the Outer Banks, NC. #crabclaws #blueclawcrabs #outerbanks #originalwatercolor #beachhousedecor #summertime

Finally getting around to scanning so many drawers-full of original paintings! These crab claws are back from my days on the barren wintry beaches of the Outer Banks, NC. #crabclaws #blueclawcrabs #outerbanks #originalwatercolor #beachhousedecor #summertime

Some little live flower watercolor painting demos from an art class I taught this afternoon. Always a good feeling to paint with a group. #watercolor #floralillustration #summerflowers #blanketflower #oregano #chapelhillnc

Some little live flower watercolor painting demos from an art class I taught this afternoon. Always a good feeling to paint with a group. #watercolor #floralillustration #summerflowers #blanketflower #oregano #chapelhillnc

I spent days building a huge new pond and waterfall for the ducks and my husband thought the pen needed a sign to be complete. And the chickens can’t be jealous because they just got an air conditioner #farmlife #spoiledpets #spoiledducks #handpaintedsigns #petducks #paintedsigns #countrylife #hobbyfarm #animallovers #northcarolina

I spent days building a huge new pond and waterfall for the ducks and my husband thought the pen needed a sign to be complete. And the chickens can’t be jealous because they just got an air conditioner #farmlife #spoiledpets #spoiledducks #handpaintedsigns #petducks #paintedsigns #countrylife #hobbyfarm #animallovers #northcarolina

Working on a couple new postcards designs for my ongoing collection at the @ncbotanicalgarden shop this afternoon. North Carolina natives, tiarella, Jacobs ladder and phlox. I will be planting these in my own garden....currently on a big roll of ripping out invasive species and adding in as many natives as I can, to improve biodiversity. A small thing, but every little bit counts. #tiarella #phlox #jacobsladder #nativeplants #northcarolina #chapelhillnc #springgarden #watercolor #penandink

Working on a couple new postcards designs for my ongoing collection at the @ncbotanicalgarden shop this afternoon. North Carolina natives, tiarella, Jacobs ladder and phlox. I will be planting these in my own garden....currently on a big roll of ripping out invasive species and adding in as many natives as I can, to improve biodiversity. A small thing, but every little bit counts. #tiarella #phlox #jacobsladder #nativeplants #northcarolina #chapelhillnc #springgarden #watercolor #penandink

Making some progress today on my Carolina parakeets. The painting is loosely inspired by John J. Audubon’s in the background left. He was probably the first to document these birds which went extinct early this century. Back then large flocks were killed by farmers protecting their fields and the plumage was also used for hats. Many other parrot species are under threat today, especially with rainforest areas in South America destroyed for farming. #wip #watercolor #aquabord #carolinaparakeet #extinctionisforever #endangeredspecies #johnjamesaudubon #painting #northcarolina #birdartist

Making some progress today on my Carolina parakeets. The painting is loosely inspired by John J. Audubon’s in the background left. He was probably the first to document these birds which went extinct early this century. Back then large flocks were killed by farmers protecting their fields and the plumage was also used for hats. Many other parrot species are under threat today, especially with rainforest areas in South America destroyed for farming. #wip #watercolor #aquabord #carolinaparakeet #extinctionisforever #endangeredspecies #johnjamesaudubon #painting #northcarolina #birdartist

Some chicken scratch drawings of a Carolina parakeet, and a little cardboard model I had to make to get the angles right. This bird is extinct so I am recreating what it might have looked like. First round of sketches for a new painting on panel. #wip #drawing #birds #parrot #chapelhillnc #birdart #northcarolina #sundayfunday #extinction

Some chicken scratch drawings of a Carolina parakeet, and a little cardboard model I had to make to get the angles right. This bird is extinct so I am recreating what it might have looked like. First round of sketches for a new painting on panel. #wip #drawing #birds #parrot #chapelhillnc #birdart #northcarolina #sundayfunday #extinction

Ozzie in the magic light glow with his little hoard of mice toys. #daffodils #earlyspring #magiclight #earlyeveninglight #norweiganforestcat #cat #chapelhillnc #cats_of_instagram

Ozzie in the magic light glow with his little hoard of mice toys. #daffodils #earlyspring #magiclight #earlyeveninglight #norweiganforestcat #cat #chapelhillnc #cats_of_instagram

Inspired by the prince of roses, 1800’s French botanical illustrator Pierre Joseph Redoute. Painted this in watercolor without any drawing first, so ended up with a bit of a mess, but fun. Can’t wait until the roses in my garden start blooming, somehow craving a salad with pink petals and microgreens. #redoute #roses #pink #botanicalillustration #watercolor #painting #flowerart #pinkroses #northcarolina #chapelhillnc #artist #valentines #pierrejosephredoute

Inspired by the prince of roses, 1800’s French botanical illustrator Pierre Joseph Redoute. Painted this in watercolor without any drawing first, so ended up with a bit of a mess, but fun. Can’t wait until the roses in my garden start blooming, somehow craving a salad with pink petals and microgreens. #redoute #roses #pink #botanicalillustration #watercolor #painting #flowerart #pinkroses #northcarolina #chapelhillnc #artist #valentines #pierrejosephredoute

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Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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