From my sketchbook~ carrotwood pods

the start of the page ~ by Jane LaFazio

These beautiful pods have been dropping like crazy all over our front walk. Husb brought me in a few, admiring their beauty. Perfect subject for my sketchbook.

This is the tree in front of our house. photo by Jane LaFazio

I found out later, from my readers, that it a Carrotwood tree. Who knew?

page in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

page in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

page in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

page in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

page in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

I brought in a branch of just the unopened pods and drew and inked them. Wouldn't you know, the very next day they began to open! (I always tell my students to draw, ink and paint in one sitting!) No problem though, I've got a tree full of more pods, so I brought in another to paint from.

page in progress ~ by Jane LaFazio

I got the date stamp here. and I know you're going to ask about my tiny watercolor palette. It's the size of a business card! It's a pocket palette from Expeditionary Art.

Carrotwood Tree ~ by Jane LaFazio

The finished (or nearly so) page ~ by Jane LaFazio

My online Sketching and Watercolor: Journal Style class starts soon! (Each lessons is stepped out in pdf documents, with photos like these and written descriptions. Plus videos) Hope you'll join me! It's the perfect class for beginners!