A graphite study of the Asian citron fruit.

Poppy buds are dramatic because many of them start off looking like hairy, awkward little monsters. But as they bloom, they develop into breathtaking, crisply petaled, colorful flowers. I love both stages, but I’m quite fond of the awkward one.

Poppy bud. 9x12. Bristol paper. Faber-Castell Polychromos color pencils, watercolor, gouache

5 x 7 Stonehenge cotton paper. Watercolor, Faber Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils, Prismacolor, Gouache

These are rose hips from a Just Joey Rose in my garden. Normally, it’s important to prune them off in order to encourage prolific blooming. But I leave some of these hips on my rose plants because they provide food for some of the surrounding wild life.

Rose hips. 9x12. Bristol paper. Faber-Castell Polychromos color pencils

Poppies in a field. 6×9. Mars Lumograph pencils.

volvariella taylorii mushroom. 9 x 12 Bristol paper. Graphite pencil.

Helleborus are known in recent history as the Christmas and Lenten rose. I like to portray them as slightly sinister in my art, however, because of their storied past. The flower was used for medicinal purposes. But if improperly administered, it could exacerbate a patient’s condition and lead to insanity, even death. (Makes them a creepy sort of beauty when you realize such things.)

Helleborus sketches. Craft and Bristol paper. Ink, Faber-Castell Polychromos color pencils, watercolor, gouache

echeveria stem. 9 x 12 Bristol paper. Graphite pencil.

bee and lavender. 4 x 6 Watercolor paper. Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils, gouache.

Seed study: the Cedar Pine Cone

“Death brings life. Life brings death.” (Marieke Nijkamp)

Seed study: the Buckeye

“Death brings life. Life brings death.” (Marieke Nijkamp)

Seed study: Texas Alamo Vine

“Death brings life. Life brings death.” (Marieke Nijkamp)

5”x7” Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencil

different varieties in various mediums and sizes. Dr. Martin’s Watercolors, Gouache, Faber Castell Polychromos colored pencils, ink pen

roses for jean. 9 x 12 Bristol paper. Watercolors, Faber-Castell Polychromos penicils, Prismacolor.

5”x7” Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencil

The Peony is loved the world over for its fragrance and high petal count. This durable (though often fickle) perennial can live over 100 years.

commissioned. 27 x 27 Cotton paper, watercolor, Faber-Castell polychromos colored pencils, prismacolor