Winter Flowers
Mop-topped goldenrod dance in the frozen field. I find them a fitting celebration of winter: stark and windswept, but still lively and lovely, especially when tinged with frost. I like walking out into the cold field and sketching a few right in place, feeling the same air and wind that chills and rattles their thin leaves. I also appreciate being able to take a few home to study and sketch without wind or gloves.
On this first day of winter, I wish you a season full of new discoveries, unexpected gifts, and wonder enough to share.
Drawn In 
Oh what a wonderful drawing! So much life and character in it, all beautifully composed. It has an old world feel, like an early botanical illustration. And a beautiful message to us, your followers and admirers.
Best wishes for a merry holiday season that’s meaningful and memorable, though sadly missing a loved one.
Thank you Alison. You are spot on in your message. We are holding grief and joy this holiday season. Merry Christmas to you– thanks for your support!
Thank you for showing us this drawing – love the lines and the curled leaves. I’m hoping to attempt practicing the curling leaves during the holidays.
Best wishes during this holiday season.
Thanks Ruth. Wishing you quiet time for drawing in the coming weeks…that would be a nice gift!
Your artwork is beautiful in any season. Thank you for sharing your talents with us, and wishing you all the best in the New Year
Thanks so much. Same to you!
Love the movement in this drawing. I have not started my winter drawing of dried plants. Excited to begin that work in January. Thanks for sharing this detailed drawing.
Sometimes it’s just a pleasure to puts lines on paper and not worry about color at all. Enjoy your January drawings!
No one does the last vestiges of each season like you do, Jean. It’s a kind of meditation just looking at the details in your sketch. It’s lovely. It’s nice to pause to honor and appreciate the solstice during this often too-busy and challenging time of year. Thank you for sharing the wonder. I wish you and your family a warm and peace-filled season.
Thank you, Susan. Same to you! I agree– taking some quiet time can be challenging at this time of year. I certainly need it and I’m trying to make it a priority…but it’s not easy. It’s bright but frigid today– I might make it a short ways to explore ice along our stream. Wishing you time to sketch and enjoy the season!
Beautiful, beautiful detail line drawings! They are exquisite, as are all your drawings.
I too thought of the recent loss …..of your dear brother. It’s so good that you have your art to somehow help you through. May you be blessed with peace as soft and pure as the falling snow…..b
That’s a beautiful blessing…thank you. Much gratitude for your thoughtfulness, Jean
Hi Jean I sent a message but I wasn’t sure if it was sent or not! I’ll try again. That is such a lovely drawing of those hardy plants still lending their beauty to share with all that are brave enough to enter their space. It is so interesting how the goldenrod twists and curls but still retains its beauty – just in a new color. Thanks for sharing their beauty with us. I wish you a lovely peaceful holiday season and look forward to seeing you in class soon!
Thanks Georgia. I just collected another batch to do a larger drawing– it’s 11F today, so too cold even for me to sketch outside. Hope you are well. I’ll be back teaching in February. Have a wonderful holiday season!
A wonderfully wintery holiday season, Jean! Your mop-topped goldenrod are certainly crispy frozen. From your description, it’s possible to hear the thin twisted leaves rattling in the breeze all the way to New Mexico! Love your sketch. The detail is quite amazing. Did you use ink? sepia? The shading is great too!
Hi Barb- Yes, this is sepia Micron 005. I like a lot of drawing plants and trees. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season in NM!
Well said, Jean, in words and lines. Your reply to Alison also comes straight to the point, with grace and dignity. Take care and enjoy the family and triends that you share time with – as well as the plants! 🙂
Beautiful ink pen sketch! The intricate details are truly captivating. Thank you for sharing your talent and inspiring us!