Tree Workshop,tree studies

Tree Paintings

Notes From My Tree Journal

I've been quite busy getting my materials ready for my Tree Workshop in November. The workshop is full but I'm starting a list for a second group for another workshop.  We will be focusing on Pines/Live Oaks/Bald Cypress/Palms for this workshop. They are all indigenous to this part of Florida and I love to paint them. I've been doing a lot of miniature tree studies this month. This is how I teach myself to paint. I do hundreds of these studies on various subjects year round. Here is a sample:

I made myself a template out of index paper. I buy the pads of canvas paper and tear off the binding. I cut the sheets into 8.5x11 and run them through my printer to copy the template onto the sheets. I do the sheet in one piece and then cut the paintings out using the guidelines. You could use oils, but for these I use acrylics. Here is a tip. Use glazing medium with a pale color tint to cover the sheet before you paint. The canvas paper will take the paint much easier when you are ready to paint. I like to use toned canvas. You can use any color your prefer. I usually use cad red light. 

People Love Trees

Fair Oak

Notes From My Tree Journal

Last weekend I set up shop at a festival in a center behind my studio. I took six of my tree paintings with me to show off to visitors. The above painting was the most popular with viewers. I received many comments on this one.

There were many painters at the festival who did Florida paintings. Visitors told me that mine were unique because I didn't do the same marsh and palm tree paintings that the others did. I have done many marsh and palm paintings in my long career, but for the last year or two, I have focused more on rural agricultural Florida. This is the land I grew up with. I was born and raised in north central Florida, with pines and hardwoods. I grew up with farmers and ranchers who hunted and fished to feed their families. The Florida of the past in many ways. This is unfortunate.

My Tree Notebook

Solski Trail Trees

18x24 inches

acrylic on canvas

Tree Paintings

Notes From My Tree Journal

I use a 3 ring binder for my tree notebook.  I like to gather samples of bark, leaves, and small branches to use as reference materials.  I put my field notes into the book as well as small studies I do on paper to refer back to for larger studio paintings. Many people don't realize that a lot of research is necessary to be a good tree painter.

Inspired by Trees

Tree Paintings

Notes From MyTree Journal

So many artists are inspired by trees. Here are lovely words :

A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship.  But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease.  Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves.  No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself.  ~John Muir

This year I decided to decorate my Loft Studio for fall with leaves. I have a big old Sycamore tree in my yard.  I picked lots of leaves and pressed them in a book. When they were dry, I tipped the veins and stems with silver and spattered them with acrylic paint in red,orange and yellow for fall colors. I have scattered them around the studio on table tops and they look wonderful!!  Trees do so much for us.

My obsession with Bald Cypress

Faye's Bald Cypress

Notes From My Tree Journal

Of all the trees I love, the Bald Cypress is the most exotic and wonderful to me.  I make a habit of painting them often. This particular tree is a favorite. It grows on the edge of a pond at Fair Oaks in Evinston. It was planted there by Faye who owned the property at one time. It was struck by lightening and so the top is bare. The bottom of the tree flourishes every spring and summer. It is graceful and lovely, like a grande old dame at a ball with her graceful skirts. I paint this tree about twice a  year because I love it so much.