Dolores Diaz
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In the year 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic laced with fear, lockdown and some new wake-up calls around social inequalities, injustices and the environment, I feel so fortunate to be a botanical artist!
At a time when we were/are strapped with what seems like so many restrictions, changes to our daily routines, social distancing, “masking up” and even social isolation, for me there was a silver lining. It came in the form of increased opportunities to spend more time in nature which always helps me feel grounded and filled with gratitude and wonder. Of course, always socially distanced and masked but still able to quietly observe and draw the many familiar native plants and trees along a 5 mile stretch of the Skokie Trail which I walked almost every day March through November. |
When the Lockdown began, I knew I needed to grab my pencils and head outdoors as much as possible, to the woods and the quiet (except for the birds of course!)trails. Throughout the 3 seasons Spring, Summer and Autumn just past, I became reacquainted with the many native plants and trees ( especially the American Hazelnut!) along the trail and able to observe the more subtle changes in their development on an almost daily basis, stopping for sketchbook sessions at least 3-4 x per week. How rich! What fun!
And although those sketchbook pages did not make it onto formal drawing paper to become completed artworks yet, I’ve gathered many details into sketchbooks and photo “albums” for reference ...and as reminders of the joy they brought me as I begin a new year reviving my very beloved American Hazelnut (Corylus americana ) Project which I will spend this year 2021 completing.
The other saving grace throughout this time has been our faithful Monday Open Studio artists group with Heeyoung Kim. Brushwood Center closed and without missing a beat, Heeyoung gathered us together and formed us into a virtual Open Studio group, meeting every week! Assuring us access not only to her expertise and teaching but to the camaraderie needed during these times. So although the graphite drawing and the watercolor painting here are works still in progress, I felt to include them as a statement of what was possible for me, in a time that seems almost impossible to grasp."
And although those sketchbook pages did not make it onto formal drawing paper to become completed artworks yet, I’ve gathered many details into sketchbooks and photo “albums” for reference ...and as reminders of the joy they brought me as I begin a new year reviving my very beloved American Hazelnut (Corylus americana ) Project which I will spend this year 2021 completing.
The other saving grace throughout this time has been our faithful Monday Open Studio artists group with Heeyoung Kim. Brushwood Center closed and without missing a beat, Heeyoung gathered us together and formed us into a virtual Open Studio group, meeting every week! Assuring us access not only to her expertise and teaching but to the camaraderie needed during these times. So although the graphite drawing and the watercolor painting here are works still in progress, I felt to include them as a statement of what was possible for me, in a time that seems almost impossible to grasp."
Michigan Lily study-Graphite pencil
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Michigan Lily in progress-Watercolor
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Michigan Lily
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Baptisia-Walnut Ink
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Color Study for Michigan Lily
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