A friend just sent me a photo of one of my favourite trees - a majestic old oak tree next to a wonderful Wood. I was immediately inspired to paint it again!
This time I felt moved to paint it at night, in the snow. I have many special memories of this scene, with the oak standing strong, spreading it's branches against the night sky, as the Wood sighs in the breeze beyond. Ivy grows up it's mighty trunk, making intricate criss-cross patterns in the covering of snow.
I'm using mixed media, (oil pastel and watercolour), on very heavy textured watercolour paper. Impulsive with this painting, I didn't stretch the paper first, which doesn't matter as it is so thick! Wanting to continue quickly I draped the painting over the back of two chairs in front of the radiator to dry.
(I'm still working on the previous painting of the Cleveland Hills - I like to let a painting 'stand' for a few days, while I meditate on it to decide what final work needs to be done - otherwise it can be tempting to 'overwork' it!)
Ingrid Sylvestre
15 comments:
I think it will be quite startling when it is finished. The colour is striking and the tree seems to be in motion.
I would never have guessed it's an oak, it is so light and airey.
Esther
Hi Esther! I'm after the effect of motion and dynamism so glad you feel that.
It will be more solid looking when I've worked on the branches more - they're just sketched in at present!
Love, love, love your paintings!!! What a joy
maureen
http://wwworphanstones.blogspot
I love how the branches seem to be reaching out into the night. The colors are so pretty and calming.
It's like if we could see this tree going out slowly from the paper..appearing touch by touch.. great!
Thank you Catherine. I find the tree both calming and energizing!
Malyss, that is how it feels when painting, often as if the image is growing itself from the paper!
Yes, the temptation to "overwork." It's the gulf between inspiration and rational thought.
That is so true, Prospero, and what a wonderful way to put it! I paint, moved by inspiration, and then at some point the 'inner expert' takes over and says, 'Oh, but shouldn't you have a bit of this and a bit of that?' and the painting dies. I'm going to write your comment out and put it on my easel!
I love the lines . . . it is as if each limb is part of a dance! I love Prospero's comment. I love your description too and think you are capturing the magical quality of the mighty oak at night covered with a cloth of snow.
Thank you Carol!
It's been interesting, that after reading Prospero's comment, I felt I had 'overworked' the painting since the photos on my blog. I've done another 'un-overworked!' one, and will be curious to see what folk think of the two different applications when I post them!
Oak tress come second in my favourites, however, they embody strength and protection. I can see where this tree will be fantastic once it is complete.
Thank you Barbara and good to hear from you! I hope your computer problems are resolved.
Beautiful! Have a wonderful New year xJ
Thank you Jasmine, and you have a lovely New Year also! x
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