My education is in Forestry and Botany because I love nature and trees, specifically. When I was a kid I used to imagine what it would be like to be a bird. Yes, the idea of flying is interesting, but I was captivated by the desire to look down on the tops of trees. I would sometimes dream of soaring for miles just above the forest canopy, my "wings" brushing the tender tops of ancient, stationary mammoths. After college life took some unintended turns and I didn't use my degrees as I had thought I would. I don't work as a botanist or a forester, but I use my knowledge and passion for trees just the same. It finds it's way into my drawings and writing, and fuels my creative expression. I can be driving down the road and see a flash of sunlight falling at just the right angle on new spring leaves and I can't get home fast enough to create something...anything.

My other inspiration is my daughter. Maybe I should say that she is my primary inspiration because without her I wouldn't be able to see the beauty in the leaf that glows with the life of the sun. All my life I was emotionally bound and constricted in a way that I was unable to define, let alone combat. When she was born I experienced a literal internal dam breaking that has allowed my love and creativity to be released and expressed. In the four years since her birth, I have written a novel and begun selling my drawings. Life is about two things; love and learning. Neither is ever wasted.

Cape Arago Lighthouse, just south of Coos Bay, Oregon was first erected in 1866; the second operating lighthouse in the state of Oregon. It was rebuilt in 1909. The structure shown above was constructed in 1934. It is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard and is the only Oregon lighthouse not accessible to the public. This 2x3 inch ink and pencil drawing is available for $18.

These Trumpeter Swans were swimming in a roadside pond here on San Juan Island earlier this spring. When I stopped the car to take a picture, they ever so casually started to swim away. I felt bad that I had disturbed them, but I was glad I had the picture from which I made this 5x7 inch and pencil drawing.

Another beautiful San Juan Island barn. I go by this barn every time I drive to town and am captivated by it every time. I knew I had to draw it. Approximately 4 inches square.

San Juan Island was pioneered by farmers. The interior of the island is dotted with original homesteads and beautiful barns. Ironically, the original residents of the island did not value the rocky shoreline properties because nothing would grow on them. When hippies "discovered" the island in the 60's and 70's they were able to purchase what are now multimillion dollar water view properties for next to nothing! This 4x6 ink and pencil drawing is matted and framed to 8x10.

What says love and summer better than two blue Adirondack chairs? This drawing makes me want to sit and soak up vitamin D with someone special. This 5x7 ink and pencil drawing is framed in a fun white shabby chic distressed frame. $25 plus shipping.

Simplicity of color and line...I call this ink and pencil drawing "spring." It is in a charming 8x10 vintage green enamel metal frame with gold edging. Available.