This photograph that I took of a gopher snake brings to my mind some American Indian beadwork that I’ve seen. But, of course, there are so many amazing patterns and designs in nature that it is truly overwelming!

Recently, I’ve been looking at some possibilities of painting a variety of local insects. I’ve always liked insects: as a boy I was an avid collector.

Spiders are great too, but they seem harder to draw for some reason. I’ll try to do some tomorrow.

Since many of my paintings borrow, in a general way, from the oriental tradition, a friend presented me with these oriental painting tools. I am definately intrigued, and am eager to learn more about the specific techniques along with the cultural background. It should be great fun to pursue this further.

I just had to share this picture. A couple of Toms were making their way down the creek, and the sunlight was magnificently accentuating their iridescent and varied coloration.