The Red Toadstool

-the Red Toadstool-oil stick on paper-5x7"

   Childhood memories of hunting for morels with my father in the woods there we lived. Stories of fanciful fairies and mythical woodland creatures who lived and played under toadstools. The magical powers of the mushroom in Alice and Wonderland. Brightly dyed patterns of spotted mushrooms on little girl dresses in the 70s when I was a quite young. There is no wonder I am draw to photograph and paint these. For they are not only fungi to me, they are childhood dreams and joys.

Fall Beauty All Around

      I had planned on posting a painting this week, but nature changed my mind. Most of my newer paintings are Summer images.How can I think of butterflies, raspberries or children running through wildflowers? That was then FALL IS NOW AND WOW. Everywhere I look its beauty speaks to me. The trees are calling me. Their acorns their leaves changing, dancing and falling to the ground, and mushrooms sprouting from their decay. God's canvas is brightly painted with yellows, greens, golds, oranges, reds, and purples. I just had to share some of the images I photographed this week.You may even see these images again in painted form soon.