Dyad in Winter / Trees have always been the most penetrating preachers...

I am a day late for Arbor day, but here is one of my most recent paintings: Dryad in Winter 8x8" watercolor, ink, colored pencil, and pencil. Available in my Etsy Store.

And some words from Herman Hesse:

"For me, trees have always been the most penetrating preachers. I revere them when they live in tribes and families, in forests and groves. And even more I revere them when they stand alone. They are like lonely persons. Not like hermits who have stolen away out of some weakness, but like great, solitary men, like Beethoven and Nietzsche. In their highest boughs the world rustles, their roots rest in infinity; but they do not lose themselves there, they struggle with all the force of their lives for one thing only: to fulfil themselves according to their own laws, to build up their own form, to represent themselves. Nothing is holier, nothing is more exemplary than a beautiful, strong tree. When a tree is cut down and reveals its naked death-wound to the sun, one can read its whole history in the luminous, inscribed disk of its trunk: in the rings of its years, its scars, all the struggle, all the suffering, all the sickness, all the happiness and prosperity stand truly written, the narrow years and the luxurious years, the attacks withstood, the storms endured. And every young farmboy knows that the hardest and noblest wood has the narrowest rings, that high on the mountains and in continuing danger the most indestructible, the strongest, the ideal trees grow." — Hermann Hesse (Bäume. Betrachtungen und Gedichte)

Amethyst and Titania

I've moved on from green to purple. I have some really wonderful purples in my palette, my favorites being Daniel Smith's Finest Watercolors in Quinacridone Violet, Perylene Violet, Shadow Violet, and Quinacridone Magenta. I've also added some Phthalo Turquoise, Cobalt Blue, and bits of this and that here. I've been having a good time with these new pieces, which are part of a new series, though I don't actually have a name for the series. So far it exists as 3 paintings and a bunch of scribbles on two post-its, but I hope to be able to work on more this weekend… These two are available in my Etsy Shop.

It's Not Easy Being Green

I have been thinking about green. Seattle, in general, is pretty green. Evergreens, the first national curbside recycling program, etc. But downtown seattle is less green. Particularly the part where I work, the edge of the International District and the Industrial District and the Stadium District. It's very interesting, there are always things going on. But it can be sorta grey. Grey sky, grey cement, a lot of grey or at least neutral colored buildings, grey water. I was thinking that it was a lot easier to deal with the frequent grey days when I lived on Vashon Island, where things were a lot more green. The water and sky were still often grey, but the roads and houses and tiny townlets were all surrounded by towering trees, many of them evergreens so they were green all year 'round. So on a rainy day, the overall feeling was one of verdant life. And in the woods you don't get as wet because there are all these trees between you and the sky. Today was a grey day, after a little run of sunny days, and I could feel the difference in my mood … and my bones. So I was thinking I might need to do some very-green paintings. Here's one from a few years ago:

Sherwood 8 x 10" watercolor

More Little Paintings

I seem to be painting big paintings and little paintings recently - not much in between. The big paintings take so long that I guess it's a relief to work on the little ones. To finish something. And the subject matters are similar too. So I can experiment a bit with colors and things. So here are some little critters I have worked on fairly recently, and just listed on Etsy.

The little frames inspire me - they seem to call out for some elaborate little thing. I've been doing mostly monsters or creatures recently - but I think I may need to do some sea creatures soon. Perhaps still someone imaginary. I've recently gotten this book from the library: Sketching from the Imagination. And it's really good enough that i've added it to my wish list. If you like to draw things you half invented, I recommend it for inspiration.

new coloring folio by megan noel

i started this project about a year ago. then it languished for a while. finally it is done and ready for you! original designs to color. I tried not too add too much insane detail, but enough to make it fun. this is ideal for adults but suitable for kids of all ages too. the paper is acid-free bright white card stock - sturdy to stand up to some serious art supplies - though personally i'd probably select colored pencil or markers. the folio is available for purchase in my Etsy shop. some peeks at the contents below:

Stories and Dreams - new zine from Megan Noel

well, news! i have some new goodies in my etsy shop. after a long hiatus, i have a new zine featuring recent pen and ink & pencil work. It's called stories and dreams and you can get it in my Etsy Shop. I also have reprints of a couple older zines, new Ale Monster prints, and a new coloring folio,all available on Etsy. Below are a few snippets from the new zine!