Cathie Richardson Illustration

  We visited Pacific Grove (PG to the locals) and learned quite a bit about the tide pools, butterflies, the wildflowers. I devoted a small sketchbook to the trip which was one of the most enjoyable projects I've ever done.  I bought a copy of Cannery Row and in chapter 6 "Doc was collecting marine animals in The Great Tide Pool on the tip of the Peninsula." and John Steinbeck goes on to describe all the creatures Doc sees so I was inspired to draw them. I had no idea what a limpet or a nudibranch was  before I read about them.  The tide was heading out so we saw quite a few creatures in the Asilomar tide pools, mainly crabs that were fighting sideways. Click here for tide pool life pillow details The boardwalk was busy and really nice to walk on. Bordered with many colorful wildflowers and other plants. The coastal ice plant was still in bloom in spots and some refer to it as "magic carpet" for the bright blooms in spring. It was initially planted to stabilize ...