Did you know there's a kind of butterfly that lives 25x longer than other butterflies? That's like if a human had a lifespan of 2000 years. Or something, idk, I'm not good at math. Anyway here's a bright butterfly who has seen generations, painted on a cigar box lid.

I may have achieved The Colors. You know, that combination. That one that stops you. Bright beetlebug on a cigar box lid.

More tiny paintings!!! These are inspired by another artist (of whom I can't find again) who made these kinds of bugs with moveable wings. Two of these are on cigar box lids.

This photo inspired me! Fergus was too determined, too prepped for adventure, to just not be made into a tiny painting.

Yikes, just... yikes.

The rough texture of the plywood I painted these Peach Faced Lovebirds on was perfect for allowing that bright pink underpainting to show through. Here it is finished, and as a work in progress.

May gentle pats find their way to you today. May you find someone soft to gently pat.

Note to self, that I'm sticking to every surface in my house and also my forehead: "When you take time to nature journal, you ENJOY IT. DO IT MORE."

Who awaits you in the misty wood?

Not my usual style but I'm loving using paint markers on wood! And who doesn't love a squirrel?

Isopods are friendly merchants and farmers, calling to buyers by name and asking about their broods, all while keeping their own grubs close in the shade of their cauliflower stands.

More evidence that I don't have one style. These were 5" wooden things I found, sanded, and covered with acrylic paints. The images are done with acrylic markers.

While I was trying to work through Edie's design (like making her a bit older, a bit less rectangular), I drew a few common expressions she'd have and tried some different outfits.

A few years ago I was asked to illustrate a graphic novel about a girl at summer camp, and her imaginary talking chameleon. I created the character designs and a few initial pages to be pitched to editors.

It's true, babies love being held during quad and glute workouts. It both calms and bewilders them. And it gives their parents time to relax at the cookout.

Desert tortoise! As pets, they'll cause major property damage by digging under foundations, they'll escape, and then they'll outlive their owners. ...I still kinda want one. As babies they look like very determined gravel.

Anyone who attends big family gatherings might relate. If I'm handed a baby, lunge walks will happen. Struts, gallops, squats. I get a workout, and the baby is pretty calm. Or at least too bewildered to react much.

"I made a new friend!" Firing up the iPad to make @procreate.com doodles for the first time in a long time.

Artists, QRP with something that's a circle!

Sketchies from @trueref.bsky.social Grey toned paper, 4B pencil, white pastel pencil.

Some outdoor mural's I've painted. Outdoor mural-painting season is paused in AZ (for me) until late October or so. I'm looking for walls in climate-controlled spaces to design and paint, so hit me up if you need an indoor wall jazzed up!

Both of these recently sold! I'm sending my babies off into the world, with a sandwich packed, a kiss on each cheek, and a tearful wave front the front door.

These merit badges I made for a friend's camp-themed birthday still make me laugh.

"Into the Woods" Watercolor, 2020 or 2021 maybe? I use this one in a presentation for young students where I ask, "What do you think this kid is feeling as they look into this woods?" The kids use visual context clues and a bit of empathy to describe emotions. #kidlitart #kidlitartpostcard

Just came across this old proposed cover art I made for someone's poetry book. I still dig it.

I love how the couple holding hands perfectly frames the shape of my painting.

May babies! On display! At a local show!

My first mixed media workshop at the Desert Botanical Garden went smoothly! Everyone seemed to enjoy collaging a picture of a vase of flowers, and the outcomes were beautifully varied.

Wooly worm kisses

ngl it's been really helpful to my sketching practice that I haven't been able to decide on a Netflix show. @trueref.bsky.social