santa monica mountains

Silene laciniata

Published on March 13, 2026March 10, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

Also known as cardinal catchfly, Mexican campion, Mexican-pink, and campion. I know these flowers are a favourite of hummingbirds, but do they catch flies, as one of the common names suggests?

Stachys bullata

Published on March 6, 2026March 5, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

Hedge nettle is a native mint endemic to these parts. Even though it has ‘nettle’ in the name, it doesn’t sting. It has a strong and interesting smell.

thumbnails

Published on March 5, 2026March 2, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

I had a short but indefinite amount of time to fill. Rather than starting a full illustration, I practiced sketching value thumbnails.

inside outside

Published on February 11, 2026February 28, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

monochrome landscape

Published on February 1, 2026January 31, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

After my shift at the Visitor Center, I sat by the creek and sketched the view.

Keckiella cordifolia

Published on January 23, 2026January 21, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

I love these delicate little chalice-like seed pods.

Zuma Canyon trail

Published on January 18, 2026January 17, 2026 by HashiLeave a comment

Thanks to blogging, I know that the last time I hiked this trail was in March 2024, as part of the whole Backbone Trail. I saw a striped racer that day; it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a snake, now I come to think about it. But it’s sure nice to witness the return of the wildflowers.

creeky

Published on December 9, 2025December 8, 2025 by HashiLeave a comment

I’m preparing to lead a Welcome Walk at Malibu Creek State Park, so I created this graphic to explain the creek action. It gets a bit confusing as you walk the main trail because at first the water is flowing one way, but then it’s suddenly flowing the other way. They are actually two different creeks!