Nature Studies: Journals
Whenever I travel, I bring a small notebook with me to make watercolors of the landscape. Watercolors are easily transportable; whether in a car, plane, train or backpack. They are non-toxic and the process of making one is like drawing and painting simultaneously. I prefer to make watercolors instead of taking photographs. I find the challenge of working directly from nature exhilarating, it forces me to work quickly and to notice nuances in color, texture and atmosphere. I become aware of the surrounding flora and fauna and the ever-changing sky and scent of the land. I hear and see wildlife as there's a silence to my presence. I love the challenge of trying to capture the outdoors which changes from moment to moment; the watercolors range in time from a couple of minutes to three hours. These direct observations of nature are important to me as they inform color choices for other series of works I make, which are mostly from my imagination.