Painting Pine Trees

 Notes From My Tree Journal

I spent Sunday-Thursday this week painting in the pine woods at Wekiva State Park. I am here for the annual paint out, sponsored by Wekiva Island, bless their good hearts. This is a wonderful opportunity to study the design of pine trees. I did not try to do realist interpretation of the trees, instead focusing on their elemental design, so these are interpretive. Anytime I can focus on trees for 5 days uninterrupted, I am pleased. I did 13 pine paintings in sizes, 5x7,6x8,9x12,12x12,12x16. I worked in all weather condition from sun, partly cloudy, overcast, and rain, so it was a great opportunity to alter my palette as well through the five days. A rare time of focus and discovery here at Wekiva.

Wekiva Trees

Tree Paintings

Notes From my Tree Journal

Wekiva State Park is a favorite place for me to paint. I get to go for a week each year and live in the park. There is something special about living in the wilderness. I'm the kind of painter who likes to return to a place over and over again to paint.  I have painted there for about 7 years and will be going in March of 2012 again. It took me two or three years to get a feel for  the land and the trees there. Now I look forward to the trip, anticipating the kinds of scenes I want to paint. I love the tall stands of pines as well as the tall palms and ancient oak trees along the path to Lake Prevatt.it is the kind of event where I have all day long to paint where I wish to with no real pressure or schedules to worry about. There are a few activities, but most of the time I get to stay in the park and back pack around with my gear. There are a lot of dead trees scattered here and there which I also enjoy painting.