Author Archives: joanienaz

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About joanienaz

This is where I share my creative self.

Ant Beauty

Posted on April 11, 2013 by joanienaz

Ants tend to show up in an army, with flags unfurled. They invade every crevice and surface of your kitchen, or any other place they feel at home. Sometimes they appear out of nowhere. You walk away from a sinkful … Continue reading →

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A Poppy Paradise

Posted on March 30, 2013 by joanienaz

The poppy is the state flower of California, and a symbol of the good life. We have an ideal climate here. There is a lot to be thankful for in the way of natural resources and mild weather, not to mention beautiful scenery. … Continue reading →

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The Not-so-plain Oak Titmouse

Posted on March 20, 2013 by joanienaz

In honor of the first day of spring, I sketched an Oak Titmouse, formerly know as the Plain Titmouse, from a photo I took last week here in the Sierra Nevada foothills, when the weather was warm and clear. Today it is … Continue reading →

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What’s So Great About Egrets

Posted on March 11, 2013 by joanienaz

The Great Egret is one of my all-time favorite birds. It is both primitive and elegant. Like a giant raptor of ancient times, it rises over its aquatic habitat with majestic dignity and expansive wings. It stands guard at the water’s edge, a … Continue reading →

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North Coast Music

Posted on March 6, 2013 by joanienaz

It’s a blustery day here in Northern California as a cold storm with the promise of snow blasts through the area. So curl up with something warm wherever you are, and check out this indie band from Humboldt County. The banjo … Continue reading →

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A Pair of Bufflehead in the Pines

Posted on February 27, 2013 by joanienaz

This pair of wintering Bufflehead was diving and scooting around the pond at the Nevada County fairgrounds when I stopped to take a walk yesterday. I enjoyed watching them swim and dive for half an hour. They were moving around … Continue reading →

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Bryant’s Savannah Sparrow at MacKerricher State Park

Posted on February 24, 2013 by joanienaz

My first love was the Pacific Ocean. Then I discovered the Sierra Nevada. So although I enjoy living in the foothills, I was thrilled to spend an afternoon along the coast last Sunday. I spotted this Bryant’s Savannah Sparrow at MacKerricher State Park … Continue reading →

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A Snow Day in the California Foothills

Posted on February 19, 2013 by joanienaz

After spending the long weekend on the coast enjoying a false spring, we returned to the Sierra foothills in time for a day-long snow frenzy. After a rainy fall it’s been a dry winter, so the precipitation was welcome. I was … Continue reading →

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Heart Art

Posted on February 14, 2013 by joanienaz

In honor of St. Valentine’s Day today, I was inspired to create heart art. After I colored several hearts by layering Prismacolor pencil, I cut them out. Then I used them as stencils for a watercolor painting. Several layers of Prussian Blue and Alizarin Crimson … Continue reading →

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Late for the Party

Posted on February 8, 2013 by joanienaz

It is a blessing for which I am grateful every day that I have the privilege of living in a rural area. I enjoy an uncluttered setting with fresh air, abundant scenery, intimate views of wildlife, and a sense of … Continue reading →

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