My newest illustration has allowed me to practice my line work and watercolor painting techniques. After exploring a new part of town this past weekend while hiking with a group of fellow naturalists and stewards, I felt inspired to start drawing (see progress pictures below). Hosted by the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association, there are many activities on their calendar year-round. Take this Saturday as an example, which is their Community Stewardship Day at Glennstone Nature Preserve where volunteers will come to help with trail maintenance, removing invasive plants, and cleaning up trash around the detention pond. With it being my first experience on any of ECWA's preserves, I found it to be delighting. I learned all about North Carolina's habitats, tasted the [surprisingly] citrisy taste of pine, and flat out enjoyed Mother Nature. For more information about ECWA, visit http://www.ellerbecreek.org

  On Liberia's Independence Day this year, I created a new piece of art inspired by the holiday. Last year, I did the same. "Just because." I recorded the process of creating this year's painting, which was done in watercolor over the lyrics of Liberia's national anthem. It can be viewed on Youtube at this [link] and below.
  Today, I feel inspired to do a series of paintings connected to each of Africa's 54 nations. I hope to find this project educational, on my part as well as for any viewers and appreciators of the artwork. Make sure you tune in to this page for updates and more information about coming shows, collaborations, and giveaways!

  P.S: tomorrow is The Scrap Exchange's deadline to receive mail art for their exhibit, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”. The opening reception will be Friday, August 16 from 6pm-9pm.   The piece shown to the left is mixed media (watercolor paint, chalk pastel, ink, collage) mail art, which will be dropped off at the post office today. It is folded into thirds (progress pic) so only two of its sides will be viewed. The gallery shows its front and back.

more cows! :)