Cacao Pod and Leaves

Theobroma cacao

original, 7x10” painted area, watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2021

$450 original

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Maple Leaf in Fall

Acer saccharum

Gathered from West Seattle’s Lincoln Park, it was a search for the perfect leaf in October.

$240 original

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Carrot

Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Domesticated from the wild carrot variety and close friends with Parsley and Celery, this umbellifer reportedly first originated in Afghanistan and has spread worldwide as a staple in almost every cultural diet.

I found it best to paint from live carrots to capture the deep greens of the lacey leaves, so we made a lot of soup in the summer of 2019 as I worked through the complicated layers.

original, 20x24” watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2019

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Borage Starflower

Borago officinalis

Not to be confused with comfrey, borage is from the melon family and can soar to 4-5 feet tall with unique purple-blue blooms on a hairy stem. Enjoyable in a cocktail.

original, 4x4” watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2020

$175 original

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Echinacea Cone Flower

Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea blooms from summer through autumn, in many varied colors and cultivars. In herbalism, it is reported to have a stimulating effect on the human immune system and can be found in many commercially available teas.

original, 4x4” watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2020

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Calendula

Calendula officinalis

Calendula is useful in infusions and teas for inflammation. This petite flower is prolific and will reseed itself in most gardens.

original, 4x4” watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2020

$155 original

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Bergamot Orange

Citrus bergamia

Also known as the keffir lime, the oils from the rind of the Bergamot orange is responsible for the distinctive flavor in Earl Grey teas.

original, 7x5” watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2019

$220 original

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Green Tea Plant

Camelia sinensis

Used in a wide variety of teas including green tea, black tea, pu’erh, oolong, and chai, the Camelia sinensis plant is a versatile leaf cherished by many tea-drinking cultures. It also makes a beautiful landscaping addition for climates that allow for it to thrive.

original, 7x7” watercolor on hotpress paper, 2019

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Tea plant

Camelia sinensis

original, 11x14” pen and ink on Duralar film, 2019

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Artichoke cross-section

Cynara scolymus

As this is the immature flower most commonly found in grocery stores, the inflorescence of the artichoke has deep and mysterious layers that reveal the varied color ranges, going from the outer bracts to the inner, softer, edible leaves. This depiction only shows the flowers as a delicate fringe that can irritate the throat if consumed. If left to nature, the artichoke flower matured into a beautiful muppet-like head of purple petals.

original, 12x15” watercolor on Moulin du Roy hotpressed watercolor paper, 2019

$840

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Silver or Satin Pothos

Scindapsus pictus

The specific epithet pictus means "painted", referring to the variegation on the leaves, which can vary from plant to plant depending on cultivar and environment. The surface is velvety to the touch, appealing to the collector of houseplants. This piece was painted from my personal houseplant, and has always been one of my favorites.

Included in the ASBA Anniversary Exhibition Celebrating Silver, 2019

original, 6x9” watercolor on Arches hotpressed paper, 2019

$340 | Purchase original

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Herb Collection

Drawing from life, I created my first all-ink collection for use in my stationery and home products. I wanted all of my favorite herbs to have the detail and impact to stand alone, yet exist cohesively as a group with consistent style.

From top-left to bottom-right: Spearmint, Cilantro, Thyme, Rosemary, Dill, Parsley, Basil, Sage, Garlic, Lavender, Oregano, and Chive.

Original ink on bristol board, 12x12, 2018

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Bleeding Heart

Lamprocapnos spectabilis

A commission for the Eastern Bleeding Heart perennial plant.

original, pen and ink on bristol board, 2018

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Sweetgum Seedpod

Liquidambar styraciflua

These little monsters are the dried result of the green seedpods from the Sweetgum tree. Despite the name, they are devilish looking and remind me of a Studio Ghibli animation. I was surprised to find that the structure reminded me more of bone than a plant seed, and often had to correct my mindset while drawing.

original, 12x12" ink on 16x16" Arches coldpressed paper, 2018

Shown at the Verum Ultimum’s Being, Beast, and Seed exhibition from April 20–June 2, 2019

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Split Leaf Philodendron

Monstera deliciosa

Named from the Latin word for "monstrous" or "abnormal", and refers to the unusual leaves with natural holes. This plant is popular among collectors and does well in household conditions with medium to bright light.

original, 7.75x8.75" watercolor on 10x12" Stonehenge Aqua hotpressed paper, 2018

Shown at the SnoValley Small Works show from September 11–October 6, 2018

$220 | Purchase original

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Lady Slipper Orchid

Paphiopedilum maudiae

Named from Paphia, one of the surnames of Aphrodite, and pedilon, meaning a sandal, the genus translates to “Aphrodite’s sandal”, where we get this golden slipper orchid.

original, 3.75x4.75" watercolor on 8x8" Stonehenge Aqua hotpressed paper, 2017

Shown at Gallery–One in Ellensburg, WA from March 2nd–31st, 2018

$160

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Canary Rockfish

Sebastes pinniger

The canary rockfish is a rockfish of the northeast Pacific Ocean, found from south of Shelikof Strait in the eastern Gulf of Alaska to Punta Colnett in northern Baja California.

original, 12x7" Watercolor on Arches hot press paper, 2017

$350 | ORIGINAL

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Hellebore Blooming Stages

Helleborus orientalis

Drawn from sketches of the many blooming hellebore species at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, this series depicts the many faces of the ever-varied winter Lenten Rose.

original 14x11” pen and ink

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Aloe Vera

Barbadensis miller

Aloe vera has been used for centuries to treat wounds and remove toxins from the environment. It is regenerative from the cutting of its stems, and is representative of healing and invulnerability.

original, 13x16" Watercolor on 16x20" Arches Hot Press board, 2016

$550

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Strawberries and blossom

Fragaria × ananassa

original, 5x7” painted area, watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2021

$240 original

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Olives

Olea europaea

My biggest piece so far, this was done on a full sheet at 30x22”. I’m enamored by the multicolored blushings of ripened olives and the waxy bloom on the skins. The leaves are even more intriguing, with purple and blue hues to the dusty underside. I wanted to portray the dancing and flexible swaying of the olive tree branches in a warm summer day.

Olives, gratefully, can be hardy here in the pacific northwest, and my medium-sized tree will hopefully look like this piece some day.

original, 30x22” watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2019

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Policecar Moth

Gnophaela vermiculata

original, 10x6” watercolor painted on 18x15” hotpressed paper, 2019

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Apples from West Seattle

Malus domestica

A neighbor kindly gifted me a bushel of apples from her tree. They were small but sweet, and picking them was so peaceful and ideallic.

original, 8x10” painted area, watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2020

$570 original

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English lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender is a favorite fragrance of many, from lotions and soaps to candles to sugar infusions for baking. Its resistance to drought makes it a water-wise addition to any garden landscape, while also providing nutrition for pollinators.

original, 4x4” watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2020

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Marshmallow plant

Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow is used in both herbalism and as an ornamental annual. Its sweet white and purple flowers are delightful as well as useful.

original, 4x4” watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2020

$155 original

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Vanilla Orchid

Vanilla planifolia

Cultivated around the world in warmer climates, the vanilla orchid provides us with the delicious vanilla beans for baking and flavoring.

original, 7x7” watercolor on hotpressed paper, 2021

$290 original

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Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

original, 6x6” watercolor on hotpress paper, 2019

$190 original

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Spearmint

Mentha spicata

original, 7x5” watercolor on hotpress paper, 2019

$220 original

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Coffee plant

Coffea arabica

original, 11x14” pen and ink on Duralar film, 2019

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Lettered Habrosyne Moth

Habrosyne scripta

This species is mostly found in Southern Canada, but can be seen in places as far south as Arizona. It is tiny, only about 1.5 inches, but the patterning is so delicate. This particular pattern was hard to find online, and it is possible that it is a deviation from the usual markings.

original, 5x3” watercolor on Saunders Waterford hotpressed paper, 2019

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Read about the process

Coffee Plant

Coffea arabica

I wanted to paint something I have a deep affliction for, and what better to paint than what I’m always drinking? The leaves of the arabica plant are so structural and the deep blue within the leaves is hypnotic. Also highly reflective, the surface proved a challenge to attempt. I even purchased my very own plant during the process to better understand the shiny reflections.

original, 13x9” watercolor on Stonehenge Aqua hotpress paper, 2018

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Common Vetch

Vicia sativa

I found these charming little vines to be so delightful to learn about and draw. They are found globally, in their own variations; some with several blooms on each stem down to this singular version found here in the Pacific Northwest. They like sunny clearings and bloom in May, followed by the small (inedible) pea pods.

original, 14x18" watercolor on Stonehenge Aqua hotpressed paper, 2018

$530 | Purchase original

This piece was exhibited on July 3–August 26th, 2018 at the Bloedel Reserve's A Walk in the Park exhibition on Bainbridge Island.

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Water Chestnut Seedpod

Trapa natans

Not as eatable as the Asian-native counterpart found in our favorite dishes, this invasive species to New England, United States is quite the nuisance. The plant habit covers the surface of shallow waters and blocks sunlight to native species. Growing prolifically in many areas, it chokes out other water foliage essential to the native fauna. The human impact is on inflatable watercraft that woefully encounter these burred seedpods, which are hard as a rock and more painful to bare feet than a rogue lego.

original, 12x12" ink on 16x16" Arches coldpressed paper, 2018

$420 | Purchase original

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French Radish

Raphanus sativus

French radishes are hard to find in the United States, but are sometimes seen in specialty grocers. Best if you grow your own or make a friend who does! They have a wonderful delicate flavor, and only mildly spicy.

original, 8x11" watercolor on 12x16" Stonehenge Aqua hot-pressed paper, 2018

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Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidium hybrid

The cymbidium orchid is a fantastic specimen not only for it's variations in color, but an opportunity to explore structure and shape.

original, 4x4" watercolor on 8x8" on Stonehenge Aqua paper, 2017

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Chanterelle Mushrooms

Cantharellus cibarius

An excellent edible mushroom; the chanterelle is fungus known for its fruity aroma, reminiscent of apricots and a mildly peppery taste. The more pricey of the fungi, and is prized among the culinary world for its flavor. Chanterelles tend to grow in clusters in mossy coniferous forests, but are also often found in mountainous birch forests and among grasses and low-growing herbs.

original, 12x12" Watercolor on 16x20" Arches hot press board, 2017

$870

Shown at Arts Benicia Gallery in Benicia, CA from November 10–December 21, 2018

Shown at Fe Gallery in Sacramento, CA from February 10–March 24, 2018

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Rhino Beetle

Cyphonistes vallatus

Dynastinae or rhinoceros beetles are a subfamily of the scarab beetle family (Scarabaeidae). Other common names – some for particular groups of rhinoceros beetles – are for example Hercules beetles, unicorn beetles or horn beetles.

original, 8x10" colored pencil on 9x12" Duralar film, 2016

Won Best in Show at Fe Gallery's Scientific Illustration exhibition in Sacramento, CA from February 10–March 24, 2018

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