A few weeks ago I attended an online workshop given by the talented Jean Mackay courtesy of the Winslow Art Centre. She demonstrated how to access the vast international collection of herbarium and insectarium collections available through a central website, and then how she uses the digital images of these specimens for inspiration in her nature journal. This was particularly appealing to me at this time of year — the depth of winter in Ontario.
The first result was this sketch. Simply a colourful composition based on a few specimens and my imagination. A pleasant way to spend a winter afternoon. Thank you Jean for the inspiration and guidance!

Makes me happy to see your colorful painting! Glad you enjoyed exploring these collections!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually Jean, your workshop prompted me to propose to two artist friends that we use the specimens for inspiration to do anything we wanted and then share via zoom. Which we did, last week. And we’re doing something again this week (taking turns with the parameters of the art “assignment”). It was the first time I’ve used zoom with these friends and we all loved getting together this way (we don’t live near each other). So, you’ve started something! 😀 Ripple effects… love it!
LikeLike
How beautiful!
On Mon., Jan. 31, 2022, 8:10 p.m. Everyday Sketches, wrote:
> Alison R. Hall posted: ” A few weeks ago I attended an online workshop > given by the talented Jean Mackay courtesy of the Winslow Art Centre. She > demonstrated how to access the vast international collection of herbarium > and insectarium collections available through a central webs” >
LikeLike
Thank you! 🤗
LikeLike