Cynthia Schoen

I would rather paint Mallard drakes all day than fail at contour drawing! But this lamp was so funny I decided to include it. Looks like a fun house collection of desk stuff. More intricate outlines needed next time.

Why are all the aspens looking at me? Beautiful eyes on many trees. Finally I realize that they are the places of empty branches that have sprouted from the trunk, died, and been healed by the tree. When the healing process doesn't go as well, dark patches of scar tissue and dripping flesh appear on the trunk. I welcome the diversity of eyes which watch the forest for me when I am not there.

I love this idea although I haven't started my nature journal yet. I have kept drawing journals, often landscapes, but without the words to accompany it, and the goal of observing nature closely, I simply judged my drawings good or bad, and tried again the next time to do better. I sense that I won't be judging my product so much on this venture. Rather, it is a mode to observe, get lost in the observation, treasure that time, and move on to the next observation. This will establish a stronger and ongoing relaI tionship to nature. I walk my two white golden retrievers around "Starbucks Lake" -- I call it that because I can't find the name of this reservoir on any map, but there is a coffee shop half way around it -- and we enjoy seeing the birds and bunnies and other dogs. This walk can seem boring to me because there is no cardio, no uphill or downhill. Then I downloaded "Where the Crawdads Sing" and for the first time I stood and watched three double tufted Colorado Cormorants on two logs. I didn't try to make up for the flat terrain with speed. I just stood and watched. It was wonderful, and I tried sketching them when I got home. The book inspired me to stand and look for ten minutes, and to open this Christmas present from my love. I also purchased the Ornithology course online, and a huge, heavy textbook. I look forward to seeing how this next year unfolds with walking, looking, drawing, writing, and reading about birds. It is a good new step for me. I was missing a new adventure at 72 and settling for simple pleasures without a goal. This is great for me!