HOLLY

Ilex aquifolium

The holly, with its’ shiny leaves and bright red berries have become a symbol of Christmas. I painted this prickly sprig in watercolour, paying special attention to capturing the light falling on the curly, twisty leaves.

RED OAK LEAF AND ACORNS

Quercus rubra

We don’t see a lot of classic looking acorns in Calgary, where I live, so it was such a treat to find these on Vancouver Island off the West Coast of Canada. The leaves had almost a syrup-like coating and the ground was sticky where some leaves had fallen. While I sat to draw it wasps hovered around me. I loved the pointy tips on the leaves and the little curls on the end of the points. There were. a few perfect, shiny acorns scattered on the ground so I added a couple to the composition too.