virginiagreene

[virginiagreene]

Dear Tumblr followers,

January was a month of contrast—between cozy time with loved ones and solo interstate travel to learn about chainsaws. At home, I delighted in the company of my fiance (alternating between Wedding Planning Activities and Avoiding Wedding Planning Activities), my dearest friend from college and her lovely family (and she’s also an incredible artist with a focus on painting houses and actually knows how to do consistent engaging content—check her out at @dltartwork1!), my stalwart attendant and familiar for the last 12 years Gali, and our newest family member Kumquat. (Gali as usual dominates the photos on my phone.)

I struck out to Tennessee on my own to attend the TN-KY Wildland Fire Training Academy and knock out S-212 (Wildland Fire Chainsaws) early in the month. While I’m reasonably comfortable with a chainsaw for limbing and bucking at this point (AKA cleaning up stuff on the ground), felling (AKA putting it on the ground in the first place) is an art form that always presents new challenges and opportunities to learn. I was grateful for the opportunity to pick up new tips and techniques from experienced fellers out in the field, and see how other states and other agencies do things!

I am a hermit by nature, and at first over those few days when I wasn’t in class I reveled in being alone—going for runs with the sunrise that turned into birding excursions (birding>>>running), writing and drawing comics (some of which are included here), and watching weird animated films before a very early bedtime. However, by the end of the trip, I was thoroughly done with being by myself. Past me was pretty accomplished at solo existence, filling my non-work hours with creativity, projects, and exercise—but now I found myself impatiently looking forward to getting back to “my people”.

#christmasletter #annualupdate #sketch #comic #birds #cats #art

[virginiagreene]

Dear Tumblr Followers,

February (and most of August ‘22 through April ‘23 if I’m completely honest) was dominated by Wedding Prep. We’re DIY people, so we had decided not to go the wedding planner route. However, after a bit of research and self-reflection, we realized that for the wedding we wanted—with as many of our friends and family present as we could reasonably afford—we were not going to be able to DIY everything. Then it turned into a game of outsourcing what we knew we were not good at, and scheduling for ourselves the things we knew we were! And so, obviously, dear reader, I was going to do the paper and design type stuff—decor, save-the-dates, invitations, and so on—myself.*

Sticking to approximate themes of adventure and nature, I drew and painted designs for the paper materials (the final versions shown here!) Simultaneously, I scrounged the pieces that would become decor—upcycling kombucha bottles and jelly jars, collecting attractive sticks and antlers and tree chunks, and prowling around thrift stores for candle holders and frames and other knick knacks. I had not previously fantasized much about what my wedding would be like, so it was an evolving process where I played with various combinations of objects until I liked what I was looking at. Not unlike my 2D art process! See the images for a lot of barely-comprehensible vision scribbles from my sketchbook.

Meanwhile, the rest of life continued. Prescribed fire season got rolling, Gali continued to be an irresistible subject for phone photography, and Brad and I went on a little adventure to Southwest VA to celebrate Valentine’s Day (and learned how not to use a wood-burning stove at a smoky AirBnB stay—nothing was damaged but our pride).

*I did receive lots of help, with decor in particular, especially the day of—but I’m getting ahead of myself.

#art #weddinginvitation #savethedate #DIY #adventures #fire #christmasletter

[virginiagreene]

Hello, Tumblr followers! 

When I was a kid, pre-social media, there was a tradition of sending your friends and family an annual update on life in the form of a “Christmas letter”. It was a way of letting the people in your social circle (though maybe not your immediate day-to-day life) know what you’d been up to this year, often in a lighthearted way. This probably sounds ridiculous to anyone who’s grown up with social media—you know what people have been up to, essentially the same time it’s happened! Unless, of course, the person in question is an ever-Luddite-leaning artist and naturalist who posts on social media these days once in a blue moon (or less).

But 2023 has been an incredible year for me—full of joy, challenges, and growth—most of which I have not transmitted via social media. So in honor of that old goofy tradition and that most human desire to connect with one another, I would like to write for you in this last month of 2023 my own little “Christmas letter”.

If you’re seeing this, thank you. Thank you for following me, thank you for liking my posts (sparse as they have been), and thank you for supporting my artwork—I hope you will enjoy hearing what I’ve been up to!

<3

Virginia

#update #christmasletter #birdbeast #illustration #ink #art

[virginiagreene]

Every bone in his body is malicious

cardinal sin….? no…. they wouldn’t…. would they?

[virginiagreene]

I said yes. <3 #love #thesourceofallgoodthings #joy #spyrock #courage #adventurebuddy #hiking #comic #nature #storytelling https://www.instagram.com/p/ChmqNpOuLAY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#love #thesourceofallgoodthings #joy #spyrock #courage #adventurebuddy #hiking #comic #nature #storytelling

[virginiagreene]

This week I began a new position with Virginia Natural Heritage--focusing the land management skills I've learned these last few years on protecting, creating, and most importantly restoring habitat for rare and endangered plants and animals in Virginia. So why does land need "restoring" and not just protecting? For the same reason an infected wound needs to be treated medically. The untreated infection robs the body of resources and weakens it, making it more susceptible to further infection. Left untreated, the infection can result in greater damage than the initial wound caused, and even ultimately death. For Virginia's landscapes, these infections include things like invasive species introductions and fire exclusion from fire-adapted ecosystems. When these issues are left untreated, they reduce good, healthy habitat for living things (including us!), making it harder to live well, or in some cases at all. Without a safe and healthy habitat, many creatures simply disappear. So what can we do about it? This is where restoration comes in--we can control the spread of invasive species and remove current infestations to make room for planting native species, we can conduct prescribed burns to promote the organisms that need fire to thrive, we can monitor the species diversity along rivers as a measure of healthy habitat, and many more specific actions in support of caring for the land. Restoration doesn't always have to be a big orchestrated action, either--simple things like picking up trash when you're hiking, buying and using fewer single-use plastics, and advocating (especially locally) for responsible and reasonable land use are things anyone and everyone can do! I am excited to share more as I learn more--and grateful for the chance to continue serving the landscape in the adventure of my life. (More art is coming soon, too!) #nature #landmanagement #restoration #notart https://www.instagram.com/p/ChNakPqOfyn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#nature #landmanagement #restoration #notart

[virginiagreene]

In 2022 it felt like every burn, conference, and training that hadn't happened for the last two years happened at once. I was all over the state for opportunities to either grow or serve, from leadership conferences to collective post-storm trail-clearing efforts. I also began Squad Boss training--a responsibility that demanded a new level of constant surveillance, integration of changing information, and direct communication. The Resource team was swiftly expanding, and between formal meetings and "cabin talk" (as my supervisor once called the work-related conversations that inevitably happen at the restaurants and campfires after meetings) I saw a bright future for land management in State Parks. I also learned a LOT about ketogenic diets, never to leave an unfinished drink around certain people, and that Resource folks love having fun as much as they love working hard. Simultaneously, our 2022 VSCC crew--all one of him!--was getting to experience all the joys and frustrations of field work, prescribed burns, uncooperative weather, and wildlife while he learned new skills and made connections across the Parks. This truly was the year of the Meme, as I learned swiftly from our interactions that I and my millennial ilk are no longer responsible for the generation of Internet Culture (for better or for worse). Many road trips passed with stories, jokes, and music ranging from "oldies" (AKA My Chemical Romance songs from 2006) to Marty Robbins. He helped rejuvenate many acres of grassland with fire, clear many invasives with machetes and backpacks, and open many miles of trail for easy passage. His curiosity, energy, and sense of humor will serve him well wherever he goes next! Though I feel a little like I am leaving unfinished business with VSP--with VSCC still going, new tech being introduced to the management process, and the Resource Section really beginning to unfurl its wings--I also know that the people, projects, and places of Virginia State Parks are part of a great story, started long before I was born, that will go on long after I am gone. And I am deeply grateful and humbled to have been a part of that story. #thankyou #ilovevirginiastateparks https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCjZknuL6D/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#thankyou #ilovevirginiastateparks

[virginiagreene]

I showed up to my first day of Americorps training January 2020 with very few practical skills, but a whole lot of enthusiasm. After we completed our initial training--pack tests, fire courses, and lots more--the real work began. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the physical challenge of field work--even on the days just barely above freezing, cutting trail into frozen mud, or on the hottest, most humid summer days, exhausted from dragging logs across a burn unit in full sun, I felt genuine happiness to be in my body every day alongside my wonderful coworkers. When our carefully planned, highly anticipated projects didn’t happen (IE prescribed burns), we learned quickly to take it with humor. “That’s the job!” is something we said to each other often, when we had to switch gears at the last second, due mostly to the weather. You can’t argue with the wind, the sun, or the rain—you just have to work with whatever they give you. We started working on this adaptable attitude just in time for COVID-19 to undermine almost every planned aspect of the VSCC program. Prescribed burns were shuttered for the year after just one burn in D3, we couldn’t travel, and all in-person training opportunities were either cancelled or made virtual. Within a few days, though, we had a new rhythm—and while everything around us shut down completely, we were able to continue working and growing and learning together. “That’s the job” ended up being one of the most important lessons I learned that year. Whether changing plans at the last instant, quickly learning how to use a new piece of equipment, adapting to a new policy, or coming up with a novel solution to a problem with limited time and materials, “that’s the job” meant that you showed up and you did what you could. Not everything is perfectly under control at all times. You don’t always have the equipment, materials, policies, or people you need. Sometimes, some projects just can’t get done with the available resources. But there is ALWAYS something you CAN do to improve the state of things—and that’s the job. #gratitude #thankyou #virginiastateparks #ilovevirginiastateparks #americorps #americorpsVSCC #VSCC #growth https://www.instagram.com/p/CgzcE0oryrQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#gratitude #thankyou #virginiastateparks #ilovevirginiastateparks #americorps #americorpsvscc #vscc #growth

[virginiagreene]

This week I worked my final day as a park ranger with Virginia State Parks. I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this journey as an Americorps member with VSCC in January 2020--that it would lead to experiences, mentoring, skills, connections, and opportunities that would utterly transform me as a person. I had no idea there would be a global pandemic, completely rewriting how most of the world worked for the next several years, while I was able to continue working safely (with just a few other people and almost entirely outside). I had no idea how bad the invasive plant problem is along I-81 (and everywhere else for that matter). I had no idea that after my service ended in D3, I'd get the chance to return to my favorite parks and people and projects as a resource specialist assistant. I had no idea how meaningful the opportunity to mentor young people in a one-on-one capacity would be, and how deeply moving it is to see them flourish as a result of what they learned working with our team. I had no idea how much free food there is in the forests of the Shenandoah Valley, and also how much weird/cool stuff happens in nature where no human eyes usually are there to see it. I had no idea how much gets done in Virginia State Parks, and no idea how few people are responsible for all of that effort. I had no idea how much I would come to love and appreciate my coworkers in the Resource Section across the commonwealth--smart, funny, hard-working, down-to-earth people, some with over 30 years in service and some with just 3 months--all brought together by a love and a responsibility for our natural resources. I had no idea that I might come to a final day as a Virginia State Park Ranger, and feel both sadness and excitement. Sadness for the end of a wonderful chapter--but excitement for what comes next. Thank you, #VirginiaStateParks - for everything. I'll be back--as a visitor, volunteer, and friend. #staytuned #gratitude #endsarebeginnings #stories https://www.instagram.com/p/CgmQug3Ojd7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#virginiastateparks #staytuned #gratitude #endsarebeginnings #stories

[virginiagreene]

I'm doing cartoon pet portraits! Most of my artwork lately has been more digital/painterly, and I've missed drawing silly animals. I used to draw pets as gifts for people all the time, ever since I was a little kid, and I especially enjoyed capturing something about their personality. Featured here are Moo the yelling cat, Pickles and Sam the cat brothers, Griff and Pan, the other "cat" brothers, Merik the mountain climber and my own little prince Galikat. I'm taking 5 orders for these right now--get in touch via email (virginiagreeneillustration-at-gmail-dot-com) if you want one for yourself or to give one as a gift! (Please use email instead of DMs!) These are 4"x6"ish, ink and marker with a touch of colored pencil, and come signed. $75, and shipping is included if under $10. All I need from you is a good picture of your critter and something about their personality! All these examples are mammals, but y'all know I'd LOVE to do a bird or reptile. <3 Thanks for following my work and I hope you enjoy these characters! #petportraits #funforme #bigillubreak #pets #cartoonpets #someoneaskmeforabird #penandink #markers #cute #silly #havingagoodtime https://www.instagram.com/p/CejrwruOKJ0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#petportraits #funforme #bigillubreak #pets #cartoonpets #someoneaskmeforabird #penandink #markers #cute #silly #havingagoodtime

[virginiagreene]

Summer is finally around the corner, so let's look at some snow! Earlier this year I painted this pack of wolves howling (not necessarily at the moon!) for Ranger Rick Jr. I consulted my "wolf-kid" friends (as I was more of a cat-kid when it came to mammals) to make sure they were adequately wolfy. Pretty happy with how it came out, and had a blast with the color palette. I hope someday to see the Northern Lights for myself! #wolves #wolfpack #painting #digitalpainting #natureartist #kidnatureart #childrensillustration #moon #winterscene https://www.instagram.com/p/CeQ0nE9uxFe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#wolves #wolfpack #painting #digitalpainting #natureartist #kidnatureart #childrensillustration #moon #winterscene

[virginiagreene]

Going through old files, I came across artwork I did for a defunct educational video game back in 2018. Still bummed this one went the way many games seemed go--basically almost done, and then abandoned. The potential here was awesome, as the game was entirely based around biological concepts. I still learned a TON from this, and met a lot of REALLY cool people (any CC vets reading this? @b0ba64 ??) and hope someday to work on another project like it (one that actually gets finished!!). Pouring one out for the games that died in development! #videogames #throwback #maybeagainsomeday https://www.instagram.com/p/CeBGo96ufZm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#videogames #throwback #maybeagainsomeday

[virginiagreene]

Clouds promising rain over one of my favorite views at Natural Bridge State Park last week. #mountains #mistymountains #blueridge #appalachians #green #worktruck #notart #notabird https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd-lMZAuHA8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#mountains #mistymountains #blueridge #appalachians #green #worktruck #notart #notabird

[virginiagreene]

I love beetles!!! I loved especially learning about this beetle, the patent-leather beetle, after encountering a bunch of them at work (and incorporating them into a piece of client artwork I'll share with you in a few months!). I personally had no idea there were beetles that lived such similar lives to human beings. I also find it amusing that humans are considered "presocial" in our social structure--as TRUE social behavior (AKA "eusocial" behavior) is on the level of colony-dwelling organisms like bees, ants, and termites (and naked mole rats). I wonder if I could audit an entomology course... Can anyone recommend a really good bug Youtuber or online class? #beetles #patentleatherbeetle #sketching #naturesketching #naturestudy #cutebeetles #messysketchbook https://www.instagram.com/p/CdyGJ4CLeUn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#beetles #patentleatherbeetle #sketching #naturesketching #naturestudy #cutebeetles #messysketchbook

[virginiagreene]

Lovely critters from Natural Bridge last week! Can you name them all? #insects #plants #snakes #naturalbridge #naturalbridgestatepark #notart #nature #naturephotography #opportunisticphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/CddIV9FOqcs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#insects #plants #snakes #naturalbridge #naturalbridgestatepark #notart #nature #naturephotography #opportunisticphotography

[virginiagreene]

I LOVE MOUNTAINS!!! So much so I sometimes go into them and don't come out for awhile! The last few weeks have been full of action, but one highlight was being able to attend the Leadership Training Institute with Virginia Recreation and Parks Society. I met wonderful people, learned a lot about myself and effective organizations, and was extremely bad at various ice-breaker party games. I also got to visit Wintergreen for the first time, and WOW. The views! So grateful for the experience and opportunity. (And if you're following me now from the conference--hi and welcome! I'm really glad to have met you.) I also did a smidgin of art--about half an hour of plein-air sketching with watercolor pencils (limited palette) in weather just above freezing, and a quick comic story about an Encounter I had the first evening I was there. #art #outdoorartist #vrsplti #virginiarecreationandparksociety #leadershiptraininginstitute #mountains #wintergreen #watercolorpencil #pleinair #sketch #comic #bearencounter #probablyabearanyway #notabird https://www.instagram.com/p/CdN5dXULC7T/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#art #outdoorartist #vrsplti #virginiarecreationandparksociety #leadershiptraininginstitute #mountains #wintergreen #watercolorpencil #pleinair #sketch #comic #bearencounter #probablyabearanyway #notabird

[virginiagreene]

I'm still burning this week, but I did go for a just-for-me walk last week. Spring is springing! #morel #bearcorn #trillium #neature #naturewalk #outsideisbestside #notart https://www.instagram.com/p/CcnGt1vOq5R/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#morel #bearcorn #trillium #neature #naturewalk #outsideisbestside #notart