Fullerton Arboretum

Tree at the Fullerton Arboretum

Ink on handmade paper Journal

I started this April 17 during the Fullerton Arboretum's Green Scene weekend.  I  had an opportunity to go back and finish it last Friday.

Just another parking lot

Parking lot

Ink on handmade paper Journal

It seems like I spend a lot of time sitting looking at parking lots. I think the real situation is that there seems to be parking lots everywhere, at least where I live. When I am painting my trees and trails it’s because I am looking the other way or simply leaving out the cars and people and putting in only the trees.

Salad Bar

Salad Bar

Ink on handmade paper Journal

One of my favaorite places to eat are the places that have salad bars.  I am a slow eater and when I sketch and eat I get even slower.  If I can get to the restaurant just after the huge lunch crowd I can sit and chew and chew and sketch and sketch until the dinner crowd comes and I need to give up my table.  Pluse I like to keep an eye on the dishes so when they come out fresh from the kitchen.

Garden Journal

Garden Journal

Ink on  handmade paper

I don't usually write in my journal but I thought I might just this once.  I won't again.  Here is what it says if you can't read it from the picture.

I can’t believe it is already 12:00. I have been working in the garden since 8 and I am ready for a rest. I have had a Towhee with me all morning but now I am not finding one bird to sketch. This is one of my new plants from the Green Scene. It’s a pink/salmon geranium. It’s name is Belinda.

Washington Navel Orange

Washington Navel Orange
Ink on handmade paper Journal


I love my little orange tree. I planted it when the children were little (they are in their 40's now) so that we could have fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast. Well of course they are not around very often now but I still am enjoying my fresh squeezed orange juice every morning. I have 21 oranges left for this season. I only use the fallen ones so that they last longer and of course get sweeter. I have pruned it smaller now, only 6 feet high so I can take care of the tree without getting on a latter. I cut my apple back this year for the same reason. The apples will take care of my fruit needs till well after fall and of course all the veggies are coming along fine. I have already been eating tomatoes while I have been weeding.

Coffee Shop Parking

Coffee Shop Parking Lot

Ink on handmade paper Journal

I sketched this over a month ago now and am finally getting around to posting the things that have not been posted since my computer problems.  I always find the parking lots interesting with all the cars and all the people that must go here and there and of course grab their cup of coffee for the road.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach

Watercolor on Arch paper

I got to go to one of my favorite places - the beach. It turned out to be a beautiful day with some clouds, cool breezy fresh air and of course the color and movement of the water. I wish I could have spent hours but a stolen 30 minutes was all I could manage. Painting a quick sketch is a great way to spend a mental health moment. I feel so blessed to have paints in my car, an ability to use my art tools, a location that is so healing and the ability to post without too much trouble. I say that tentatively because I am still on my old computer.

Painted Dish

Painted Dish

Glaze on ceramic

I tried something new and painted with glaze on a ceramic dish last week. It was fun and different. What do you think?  It is micro and oven safe.  I think I need a service for four.

Channel Islands Exhibit at the Fullerton Arboretum

Channel Island Exhibit

Fullerton Arboretum

Ink in handmade paper Journal

A few weeks ago my garden/art buddy and I went to the Fullerton Arboretum to see where the Orange County Geranium Society booth will be for the Green Scene You can find it at this link: http://calstate.fullerton.edu/news/Inside/2009/arboretum-green-scene.html. I will be working the booth on Saturday so come and visit. We will be selling pelargoniums (commonly known as geraniums) varieties such as Zonal, Scented-leaved, Ivy-leaved and Regals. I will be sketching like last year so if you are going to visit don’t stand in one place for to long or you will be in my next week’s posting.  This time I am not going to forget my camera.

Riverside Garden Tour

Riverside Garden Tour

Ink on handmade paper journal