For my 6th assignment which had to be fruit I chose Pomegranate. This assignment is part of my Diploma in Botanical Illustration Program through Society of Botanical Artists in London. I chose Pomegranate as I always loved the fruit and have been attracted to its color. I thought its round shape and seeds would provide enough variety to create an interesting composition. This was probably the most challenging assignment so far, as I didn't realize how hard drawing the seeds would be. Half way through I wanted to change the subject, but was worried I didn't have enough time to start over. I stuck with it and ended up enjoying the challenge. Overall it was well received, and the tutor suggested I should have added a few seeds to the composition, which I agree. I received 9.6/10. 

Last weekend I spent two days at Tualatin Wildlife Refuge with Oregon Botanical Artists taking a nature journaling workshop with Pat Burrell Standley from Missouri.  It was wonderful sketching in the refuge among young and old oak trees, observing wildlife, walking, basking in the sun and visiting with friends from OBA. I tried a new journaling technique of recording sounds in forms of color marks or lines on paper and it was an interesting experience that helped me experience being in the moment. Below a page from my sketchbook completed over the weekend.  Weird globs (top left) are "apple" gals formed by wasps! 

I really enjoyed teaching Forest Fragments at Sitka Center for Arts and Ecology in August. Met a wonderful group of women and had a great time spending drawing, teaching and a bit of walking the beach.