Nina's folding sketchbook, daily watercolors, spring photos, sunset cat

Here is the folding sketchbook Nina Johansson suggested. I made mine with Arches 140 # watercolor paper. It has been fun for me to get back to some painting on a small scale. The 2 next mountain views are done in a Raffine sketchbook someone suggested, its a nice heavy paper, 100 lb. but does not compare to Arches, I like to work very wet and it does ripple.

These 4 mountain scenes are my short attempt at Daily Painting, I have been drawing or painting almost everyday. You really get to know your subject with repeated attempts. When I had my jewelry at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park I focused on the animals there, and got the giraffe, zebra, big cats etc. down pretty well.... at least 2 inches and under.

This spring has been amazing the mountain right behind us burned twice in the October fires reducing the 4 foot high chaperal to almost nothing. The rocks now visable have great morning and evening shadows. The pink blooms only 3 times in 30 years and the orange I've never seen before. No need to travel for inspiration!

Postcard to Anita and Spring photo's

My postcard to Anita not quite complete, I added another branch and more birds. I really enjoyed working small, it didn't take the time commitment and very little space. I plan to work even smaller down to the ACEO's 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch size.
This last 2 weeks have been extreme weather wise here. Nicely spaced showers have turned the black and grey fire burned mountainsides from brilliant green to golden orange and purple pink with wildflowers. This is especially spectacular after 7 years of way below our moderate 12 to 14 inch average rainfall. We had SNOW down to 1500 feet Vanentines day! That actually stayed on the ground! This happens only once every 20 to 30 years. It was strange to see this valley surrounded 3/4 around with snow covered mountains.

Aleo Vera flower and plant, spectacular this year!

Sure sign of spring.

California cats don't see enough rain! Sneaker's occupied himself for a long time chasing raindrops down front and back windshields.