Homemade Vanilla Extract
I got a bee in my bonnet and decided to make my own vanilla extract. It’s surprisingly easy if you can be patient. All it requires is vanilla beans, vodka, and a jar. The reason I mention patience is it…
Scrubsteppe Watercolor
Abstract landscape piece in watercolor and pigmented ink. Close-ups:
Watercolor Lightfastness Testing
I swatched out 3 palettes of mine for testing lightfastness–my Muted Palette, Primary Palette, and a palette consisting of Da Vinci and American Journey watercolors. I think there may be 2 or 3 slightly fugitive colors, but I wanted to…
Pecan Shaker Cookies
This simple recipe is based on one from a Pleasant Hill, Kentucky recipe book. Pleasant Hill, Kentucky is a historic Shaker village and current destination open to visitors and overnight guests—an experience I highly recommend. You can learn about my…
Sketch Watercolor
Reaching back to my artistic roots with an ink drawing mixed with watercolor. Life drawing was my artistic focus in college, so I’m well versed in drawing and sketching. With my watercolor practice, I’ve created more abstract pieces with a…
Snow & Sunshine
It snowed through the night—a peaceful night, thankfully—and I woke to big fluffy snowflakes descending. Then the sun came out and made everything sparkle.
Snow Scene Art
Since the snow came so early this year, it brought down some of the fall leaves and made this pretty scene. I particularly love the yellow-greens mixed with the pale grays of slushy snow. Here are more pictures around the…
Snow Debris
Although the snow came down in a light dust yesterday, it persisted, accumulating as the hours of the day passed. Temperatures fluctuated above and below freezing, which caused the snow to melt and freeze again, becoming wet and heavy. This…
More Snow Scenes
Although snow piled up throughout the day, it was very light and some melted. Nonetheless, an inch or so accumulated for a very pretty scene.
Vista Watercolor
Abstract landscape watercolor with pigment ink touches. Close-ups:
First Snow of the Season
A very delicate and persistent snowfall started just after 8 o’clock this morning. As usual, it comes with a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere since people tend to stay in. It’s a bit early for the first snow of the season…
Holiday Lights!
With Christmas lights and a few sparkly ornaments in my living room windows, I now feel ready for the holidays. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any other holiday you may be celebrating! This is my favorite…