Cactus series - Gouache on paper

 November in the Pacific Northwest means gray skies, golden leaves and mud. After the September wildfires, I'm certainly not complaining! Just a few years ago, the fall was my favorite season. As I've gotten older however, I have a lot more appreciation for the sun-especially after vacationing in Hawai'i twice in one year. 

In 1999, I moved to Phoenix,Arizona with my young daughter to find a new change in scenery. Back then, I had also longed for sunnier winters and that motivated the move. We lasted just over a year as I discovered how much I missed the trees and green in Oregon after visiting Flagstaff in northern Arizona. We came home with one more family member-my 2 month old son!

These cool damp days have me thinking about Arizona lately, so I browsed through some cactus photos to paint. Losing the moment in these paintings as I day dream about the desert was a brief respite from the rain. These are two small painting in gouache on paper.

Deidre Beth Cowl

My newest knitting design is this simple cowl with the softest Merino Wool yarn, and I'm so in love with it! Pattern is free on Ravelry.

I've always liked the name Deidre, and Deidre Beth seemed perfect for this simple and lovely cowl. 

The pattern is found here.

Memories Journal #23-Best Mountain View!

 I had hoped to paint this live at Hidden Lake viewpoint, but with crowds and lack of time, I ended up painting it from my photos taken. Hidden Lake viewpoint was the highlight of my Montana vacation. I had seen this view so many times in other people's photos. Seeing it for myself with fantastic weather was an incredible experience I will forever be grateful for. Between seeing Seljalandsfoss and this view in person, I think I've accomplished some major goals in life!

Watercolor on paper.