Undergrowth

 It's approaching deep summer. Where I live, there is lots of vegetation. So that is what I draw (and try not to grumble about it!). High water this summer has frightened off the waterfowl. So I draw the plants (and light and shadow) instead.

08-02-23-thistle

08-02-23-bridge

08-05-23-thicket

07-23-23-bridge

09-08-20-balustrade

08-19-18-heron01

Mallows

The mallows have started to bloom. The showy white, hibiscus-like flowers are four or five inches in diameter with a deep magenta center that attracts pollinators to its yellow stamens and creamy white pistil. Technically, this is Hibiscus palustris, the Swamp Rose Mallow

It's a reliable bloomer usually starting the first week of August —based on the dates on my drawings. In winter, I like to draw the large opened seed pods (see the last sketch).

Nature is pretty predictable despite our well-founded concerns about the changing climate. I hope you have some mallows growing near you.

08-01-23-mallow
colored pencil, ink

09-25-21-mallow
ink, charcoal, pastel

08-11-21-mallows
pastel

08-10-22-mallow
charcoal

11-23-19-mallow
charcoal, conté, ink