| 
                                 
                                 			
                                  
                                    Being outside from early spring, through summer and into fall painting in watercolor, is one
                                    of my favorite activities.  
                                      
                                  
                                 			
                                 I spend many winter hours inside at my desk painting - so it is a treat to set up a portable outdoor studio.  My
                                    garden is a haven with all the wildflowers, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds,  songbirds, and at least once nearly
                                    every day I hear the crows cawing loudly and look up to see them chasing one of our resident bald eagles.  There is a
                                    small bay just five stone throws south of the beautiful arbor my daughter made for me (2007) in her shop class.
                                     
                                  
                                 			
                                 
                                     
                                 
                                 		
                                   
                                      
                                    Queensland, Australia 
                                    Rainforest Dreaming Studio 
                                      
                                    
                                    Beautiful Northern Queensland has such a variety of flora and fauna - the location is paradise for biologists,
                                    photographers and artists.   I spend a lot of time in the rainforest exploring the vegetation and
                                    wonderful creatures found there.  From butterflies to large flightless birds like the colorful cassowary, I am amazed
                                    by the diversity and abundance of life.  There are new discoveries each time I return to my Queensland home. 
                                    
                                      
                                  
                                 
                                     
                                       
                                          | At home in the Rainforest | 
                                        
                                       
                                          | 
                                             
                                           | 
                                        
                                       
                                          | North Queensland 2008  Photos by CKC and Jim McKay | 
                                        
                                     
                                 
                                 
                               | 
                                | 
                              
                                 
                                    
                                       | 
                                          
                                          			
                                           
                                           
                                          			
                                          A small folding table (very handy), comfortable chair, pencil, paper, paints, paper towels, brushes and
                                             a jar with water.  When on location, I have a backpack and carry my precut paper, paint supplies then
                                             find a spot, sit comfortably - often against a tree or log and create a miniature in a beautiful natural environment. 
                                              
                                              
                                           
                                          			
                                            
                                             Necessities in the garden include: A hot cup of tea (chamomile is my personal favorite) and a telephone to communicate
                                             with the world - I often paint while conversing.  Also, a crystal ball is essential for magical inspiration if I can't decide what
                                             to paint.  There are so many choices!  : )
                                               
                                           
                                          		
                                          
                                        | 
                                     
                                    
                                         | 
                                     
                                    
                                       | 
                                          
                                        | 
                                     
                                    
                                         | 
                                     
                                    
                                       | 
                                          
                                          
                                        | 
                                     
                                  
                               |