iPhone SE Photo by Rachel Reilly

This is one of several monarch butterfly visitors enjoying our butterfly bush. This particular butterfly bush was not planted by me, it was planted by nature - the birds or animals. We let it grow and now it’s a popular spot for bumblebees, hummingbird moths, monarch butterflies, and yellow swallowtail butterflies.

iPhone SE photo by Rachel Reilly

In this shot, the monarch butterfly was fanning its wings while drinking nectar from our butterfly bush. The butterfly would move slowly around the purple flowers, opening and closing its wings.

Watercolor sketchbook painting by Rachel Reilly

This is page one of my mixed media sketchbook. We’re not going anywhere this year, what with the pandemic and all. 2020 is the year where we have to travel via art. Books, movies, TV, photos, painting - it’s the year where we need to use our creativity and imagination, both to solve problems and find happiness.

This watercolor was done the way I was taught at school, no drawing, just paint - start with yellow then add cadmium red then add blues and greens (or purple, but I didn’t use purple here).

The sky and trees are Van Gogh-like. Whenever I feel unsettled and uncertain I always think of Van Gogh because his paintings feel like the whole world is liquid and moving - like it’s hard to get your footing, which is how 2020 feels. The ground isn’t quite in the same style, maybe because I’m finally publishing my web site, spending time with family (because everyone is stuck at home), reading, watching movies - 2020 is full of turmoil and sadness, every month brings something new and mostly that is not good - but oddly, at the same time, life has slowed down. Somehow, amidst all the chaos, I feel like I’m finally getting some footing… I’ll have to see if it lasts.

Daffodils in the back garden, April 2020.

My garden in the early spring. April, 2020

The paperbark maple - April 2020

Birch trees - April 2020

First attempt at block carving and printing. This is just a rubber block - tested out the different carving blades and attempted a print.

The print is done on paper intended for printing - but the color is not even. I have a long way to go, but it was fun to start trying! Block printing is interesting because it can be the inverse of drawing. When I was practicing, I just used the carving tools to draw lines - as opposed to cutting out a contour.

April 2020

Taken during a springtime walk - this is a lovely tiered garden - the granite and daffodils caught my eye.

The tree buds in early spring have an amazing variety of color, and a graceful flower-like appearance.
April 2020

Just a quick acrylic painting of Picasso. He was quietly watching birds fly between the bushes in the front yard. The purple irises in the lower right represent my mom - we used to sit out front and watch the cars and people and clouds. Sitting outside always brings her to mind.

This painting is on canvas-board. I had painted it green/red with left over paint from another project. I used acrylic paint pens to draw the image on the board.

April 2020

A curved branch in the forest - April 2020

Mixed media - watercolor and pen

Abstract of flower pots - painted this out on the porch on a lovely spring day. I am trying to paint more - and I have been feeling quite stressed (like everyone) this year. Everything feels a bit abstract and surreal, but in art I find some relaxation and hope - sort of like a warm spring day…

April 2020

The bright red buds of a tree in early spring - April 2020

While walking with Picasso I spotted this lovely blue dragonfly and Picasso was patient enough to let me get a shot (I think he was sniffing).
July 2020

Summer sun, filtered through the forest canopy

July 2020

Daylily in the sun.

July 2020

Surprise! Picasso! :) He thinking on his doggie bed. What a noble old doggo.

Picasso II - yeahhhhhhss he has things to say!

Picasso III - Point Made.

Is a happy Picasso.

July 2020

Another hike in the northern forest - so peaceful and perfect.

July 2020

Pink Daylily in the bright summer sun - a splash of color in the green garden.

July 2020

White foxglove growing on the hillside.
July 2020

It’s hard to take pictures under the bright noon sun - unless you take a walk in the woods!

July 2020

The sunlight through leaves reminds me of stained glass. The tiny veins of the leaves become more defined, the shadow and light provide such lovely contrast - so peaceful - simple and complex -

One amazing evening - I had to go outside and capture a few shots of this sunset - it went from burning orange to soft pinks and purples - it was amazing.

July 2020

That boiling orange sunset softened to these lovely purples and pinks….

July 2020

He loves to hike and sniff. He’s a brave hunter, searching for paths that lead to houses where perhaps he can scrounge birdseed or bread. What wild instincts.

July 2020

Picasso photo bombed my woodsy path. He wanted me to move faster. “Stop taking pictures,” he says, “we have to go explore!”

July 2020

What a lovely Bumblebee
Sitting right in front of me

This guy, with his beautiful wings was happily bouncing from flower to flower on the Butterfly bush.

Aug 2020

A variety of coneflower, also known as Rudbeckia. These were transplanted from my Mom’s garden.

August 2020

Indian Carpet Flower, another favorite of my mom - this picture was actually taken at a neighbors garden we saw while we were walking.

August 2020

I’m not sure what this orange flower is - but it reminds me of a star - so bright it almost shines.

August 2020

Once again, this was seen while taking a walk past a neighbors garden. Who can resist the bright yellows and maroons - they make me smile.

August 2020

A walk in the woods is the perfect way to start the new year.