After the rain, there are the flowers.

This spring, I’ve been out on my bike, and on my own two feet hiking along the California coast.

I’ve also been inspired by children’s books, and the amazing artistic freedom shown by so many illustrators.

Check out my new portfolio of Wildflower Collage Illustrations (some of which are available NOW in the store as limited edition prints) and below, enjoy a sneak peek into my landscape sketchbook from this spring. All sketches were done outside! Follow me on Instagram to see these images in their natural environment.

Spread (left) from a hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods

Spread (right) from top of Wittenmore Gulch Trail at Purisima Creek Redwoods.

Scarlet pimpernel along Coastal Trail – biking.

California orange poppy along Highway One – biking.

Ladybug and gum plant flowers along Highway One – biking.

Assortment of wildflowers on Montara mountain – hiking.

Purple mountain lupine – Montara mountain

“Some of the local butterflies depend on that,” he said. A hiker stopped and asked if I knew about the plant I was drawing. This particular species of purple lupine grows natively only on the upper portions of Montara mountain in California. Other varieties exist elsewhere but this one, only here. Since I am a local butterfly, I also depend on it.

Irises along Coastal Trail – biking.

Cymbidium (top) – a gift from a friend.

Cymbidium (bottom) – a gift from a friend.