Art Show!

What a thrill (and how energizing!) to be asked to exhibit my art. I've worked hard to put together an assortment of my super-squigglized pen & inks drawings, hand colored with watercolor. All originals and prints will be for sale, and signed copies of my book, Middlewood Journal - Drawing Inspiration from Nature, will be available. Below is the basic info. You are all invited to come, and bring your friends! Can't wait to see you all.

What:  Nature Art Exhibit by Helen Correll

Where: Summit Hills Retirement Community

            110 Summit Hills Drive

            Spartanburg, SC  29307

When:  Opening Tuesday, April 25, 4 - 6:30

Duration:  The show will hang for one month 

Dog Hobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana)

This drawing was done in mid-January (so a little late) but I love January, and on this day I had my two 13 year old students with me so I thought it would be fun to share. 

The weather turned warm that Wednesday, so even though January days are short, at least it wasn't cold,  and we decided to head down to the river to draw. 

The first thing we came to is a plant that grows so thickly along the edge that the early settlers gave it the nickname "Dog Hobble" due to the fact that while out hunting bears, their dogs always got caught up in this plant and the chase would end. It grows on the steepest banks, and sports leathery evergreen leaves.  Its neighbors are Mountain Laurel (here) and Rhododendron (mountains).  There is also a coastal species.

We played a little (and one of us climbed trees) and then settled down to draw a while. Before we left the temperature dropped below my comfort zone (kids don't care!) and a slight breeze kicked up.  Next time I will take an extra layer.  I mean, what was I thinking? It was mid January!     

Stay tuned for an update photo of the Dog Hobble flowers!