The Power and Versatility of Bananas, Naturally Gluten-Free

I love bananas and they have always been my fruit of choice, my snack on the go, nature's multi-vitamin, and my favorite yogurt add-in. I love that they are naturally protected from cross-contamination.  To me the perfect banana is ripe but right before the brown spots start appearing on the skin.  If they are too soft they start to lose their appeal, but become perfect for use in recipes.

Banana Pancakes. These babies have opened up my breakfast world again. I can't get enough of them, and I make sure I always have bananas in the house in various stages of riping. Who knew you could make pancakes from JUST bananas and eggs. Genius!  There are lots of recipes out there, but basically it is 1 egg to 1 ripe mashed banana. Just keep the pancakes small, and flip carefully - they are very delicate.

Banana ice cream. One ingredient. Bananas. Yes, that's all you need to make this guilt free creamy frozen treat.  You will need to cut up ripe bananas and freeze in advance. Definitely worth trying. This recipe is from The Kitchn

Banana Bread
I haven't tried this recipe from Civilized Caveman Cooking yet.. but it is on my list to bake some up soon!

Banana Muffins
Handy for on the go snacking!
   
You can read up on the
benefits of eating bananas while enjoying one of these delicious treats!

You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Gravy

As a child I was always so excited to see the good china come out for the Holidays - especially when we were old enough, and deemed responsible enough, to handle the gravy boat.  The gravy boat always stood out as the coolest and most fascinating piece on the heavily laden table. They still fascinate me - the unlimited variety of shapes and curves, spouts, handles and accompanying spoons. So much fun.

 Well Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and all my good intentions of being ready in advance - this year, are once again slipping from my grasp.  (At least I am consistent)

 

Luckily there are some things are more of a 'day of' kind of thing, like gravy making. To me Thanksgiving isn't complete without mashed potatoes and gravy, a truly mouth-watering combination. I use Simply Gluten-Free's gravy recipe making my assignment for the Nov/Dec issue that much more fun!  

Working on that assignment inspired my gravy boats illustration. 

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving, seeing the gravy boats come out - and getting to pour a generous amount - as I continue to deem myself grown, and responsible enough to handle the iconic boat!

You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my daily illustrations on  Instagram

American Woman

"American Woman" watercolor & ink, 8x10, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

Inspired by the 2016 Presidential election. Women make up half the population, in turn - hold half the votes. 

That power should never be underestimated, ignored or demeaned. 

A special thank you to the American Suffragettes who fought for our right to be heard - and counted!


You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.Or take a look at my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram
 

Eating Chocolate, Drawing Chocolate

Today I am looking for joy and lightness of spirit. The weekend and current election climate and the high level of negativity and pain are weighing heavily on me.
I could stay buried under the covers eating chocolate all day, but not sure how much that would accomplish. 

Instead I am up, painting and preparing to sketch and paint chocolate! Which will bring me longer lasting happiness, and no guilt!

And hopefully shift my overall mood. It also serves to ease me into a productive day. What will you do today to bring joy?

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/transformation.html

You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.Or take a peek at my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

An Indoor Herb Garden - Fresh Herbs with Dinner

I am terrible with plants. I love them but they are pretty much in the process of dying while in my care.
The bad-with-plants expression is quite often referred to as 'A Black Thumb', but I prefer to call it a RED thumb.  Red being the opposite of green, seems a more accurate description.
Red like - STOP, before you kill that poor unsuspecting plant! 

But, though I truly stink at it, I can't help but keep trying. I love having fresh herbs and flowers around.  The aroma and the beauty are unmatched. As for cooking with fresh over dry - there is no comparison in flavor.

Now as we say goodbye to summer I have been possessed  to get an indoor herb garden set up. We have been in our house over a year I have identified the best spot for them to soak up the shining sun!  The ledge has been cleared, the area set, and I started with two plants from the kitchen window sill to pre-populate the spot. A basil plant and gerbera daisy.

From Simply Gluten Free Magazine July/Aug2016

Yesterday I added rosemary and cilantro. The smell of the rosemary in the living room is amazing. Looking forward to adding more to the garden and more fresh herbs to my cooking.

You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

Mushrooms in the Grass, Daily Sketch

 I start my day with an early walk or run, during which I get my thoughts in order.  Foremost in my daily planning is a sketch idea for the day... for me and for my drawing students.
There is no substitute for daily practice of your art. By applying, and challenging, yourself every day there is growth. 

"You can never do too much drawing." 
~Jacopo Tintoretto (Venetian Painter)

Today's drawing idea prompt is to find something that is normally overlooked. Something small and possibly mundane and bring it into the light, and life - on your page.
During my walk yesterday on a murky grey morning I spied 2 mushrooms growing in the grass along the sidewalk. After seeing them, I spotted another dozen mushrooms all along the way.  Taking the time to notice the first 2 triggered all the rest!

I had fun using creative license to create my little mushroom village.  What can you bring to light and life today?

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/transformation.html

You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.Or take a peek at my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

Dragonflies, Daily Sketch

Dragonflies can be found worldwide and symbolize a variety of ideas... prosperity, light, good luck, strength, adaptability, peace, harmony and wisdom. 

Most of all, they represent Change. 
Dragonflies are a symbol of transformation. It always gives me a charge to see one zipping by, and even more of a thrill when I can see the beauty of a dragonfly at rest.

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edgardegas393298.html

“It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.” ~Edgar Degas

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/transformation.html

You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.

The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.

The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf