Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Violet-Purple Berries

As fall progresses into winter and the days are dark and dreary, the crisp greens against the dark bark and ground seem to be the only color. EXCEPT FOR a plant known as "Profusion" with a classified name of Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii.

The genus, Callicarpa, has about 140 species of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees from woodland in mainly tropical and subtropical regions of North and Central America, East Asia, Australia and Malaya. The name comes from the Greek word callicarpus meaning “with beautiful fruits”.

And, without question, the fruits are beautiful and still creating a patch of color in my landscape. Check it out.....

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sunday Sketches

The other day, my favorite place to walk my dog, the Chehalis Western Trail, had been cleared of leaves. I realized it was a metaphor relating to having a clear path and it appeared that everything along the path was inviting and beautiful.

When I returned home, I decided to create a mandala capturing this walking meditation. I started by painting a colorful path across the circle and then added some of my experience. I felt the need for words and let them flow along the path.

Walking Mandala
watercolor
18" X 24"
More Sunday Sketchers.....

Friday, December 7, 2012

Winter Art

Ah yes, the dismal days of winter are setting in.

But it does not have to be that way.

Get outside and stack some wood.......


And my favorite.....