Live Dungeness Crab

This critter was hanging out in the aquarium at my local supermarket.  

Rain and Mist at Juanita Beach Park

My car provided the shelter and, with an occasional swipe from the windshield wipers, I tried to capture the changing mist.  The rain was relentless.

Double Chocolate Doughnut and Coffee

Yes, I ate the doughnut and it was good!

Oregon holly-grape

Insects had chewed on the tough, prickly leaves.  The resulting shapes were interesting to sketch. I used pencil, ink and watercolor on 300 lb hot press paper.

Green Kayak at Lake Washington

I spotted the kayak sitting at the Public Hand Launch (non-motorized boat access) in Warren Magnuson Park.   The green boat and the yellow parking poles were a good excuse to sketch.

Three Ducks at Country Village Bothell

The morning was chilly with rain falling and melting the snow.  Miserable weather for sketching but the ducks did not seem to care!

Airline Passenger with Purse

While boarding the airplane in New Orleans, I was able to do a fast sketch of the woman sitting in the row across from me. 

Southdown Cemetery in Houma

Located next to the Terrebonne Parish Main Library is a cemetery dating back to before the Civil War.  Many of the people buried there worked on the Southdown Plantation.   The day was a bit cool and windy so the sketch was quick!

Helen's Pelican

There is a story about the pelican but Helen can share the tale!  The drawing is on a brown paper bag with Conte crayon, charcoal pencil and white chalk.

Battered Building in Port Sulphur Louisiana

We stopped at a gas station in Port Sulphur to purchase ice for the cooler.  The nearby building and the angle of the electrical poles reminded me of Katrina.  This was a quick 5-minute sketch with watercolor added later.

Pelican, Fish Camp and Airboats

Pelicans, fish camps and the occasional airboat are just part of a day in Barataria Bay, Louisiana.

Watching the Dos Gris

After a late start, we were on the water several miles south of Cocodrie.  We observed thousands of Dos gris (Louisiana French for Sauk duck).  Sketching the crewman was a bit difficult in a rocking boat but I think it capture the moment of watching the Dos gris.  He told me in a week or so, all the Dos Gris will be safe; hunting season will close! 

Lafitte Shrimp Boat

It was a cold day (in the 40's) and I only spent a few minutes on this little watercolor sketch.

Morning Fog on the Mississippi River Delta

About a month ago, I was in a small boat watching the early morning fog dissipate. Quickly grabbing my pen and pencils, I was able to sketch the fog with the tops of the rouseau cane remaining visible.

Elevated Highway to Fourchon

This the impressive new toll bridge to Fourchon on the LA 1 expressway. The sketch was made from the backseat of a van traveling at 50 mph! Watercolor was added later.

Bayou Butterfly Wing

Each fall and spring, Monarch Butterflies migrate through Louisiana. Sometimes, I see broken butterfly wings along the shoreline. The Monarch Butterfly migration inspired this Artist Trading Card.

Missy's New Yellow Shovel

We just arrived at the Fourchon Marina and there was a still life waiting to be sketched. I took a quick break and used ink and colored pencils to capture Missy’s pack, boots and brand new yellow shovel. A bit of watercolor paint was added later.

Mud Lake Louisiana

We stopped for lunch on a beautiful shell beach. There was enough time for me to do a quick sketch. The best part about lunch? The boat driver shared Louisiana oranges with Arlene and I!