Stopped in My Tracks
While out for a run last week, this giant mushroom on the side of the road quite literally stopped me in my tracks. I took a quick look and knew I had to sketch it. Driven by curiosity and enthusiasm, I managed one of my fastest two miles in recent memory completing a loop that led me back to it. The mushroom was so large it wouldn’t fit life-sized in my sketchbook, so I used a 9×12” sheet of watercolor paper. I’ve since returned to the small grouping of mushrooms where this one grew and memorialized a smaller one in my sketchbook. But this one will always be king.
Tips & Techniques– You needn’t take up running to find great nature subjects, but spending time outside is key. When you’re out walking, cycling, mowing the lawn, or gardening, take note of what’s happening around you— start with what’s blooming that wasn’t last week or with the bird songs you hear. Let a of spark curiosity or wonder lead you to pick up a pencil or pen and see where it takes you.
Drawn In 
oh wow! What an impressive Amanita! Just goes to show those dangerous ‘shrooms don’t always come in red. Love the post and your great discovery, Jean. Wonder what causes some mushrooms to grow larger than their neighbors. Thanks for breaking all your speed records to being us this wonderful post on a lovely morning!
Oh! Such a lovely rendering.
Thanks Carole!
That’s a great question, Barb. Sounds like a potential sketchbook page…from you!
oooooooooooh yeah!
A very exciting discovery! You’ve shared great observations along the cap & stem to help ID it — lots of details I’ll look for next time I see an amanita!
There are so many small details to note. In part, I’ve drawn them, but the text helps call attention to them and to double check when I’m looking in field guides.
Oh my! If I ran into a mushroom that large, I would have run the other way! I definitely prefer your renderings of everything “woodsy”!
Ha! Happy to oblige!
That is a beauty it seems strange to be getting mushrooms now but I guess you get a lot of rain, which they love and bloom from the earth like weeds. Lucky you found them and your wonderful specimen! Have fun!