Trees in my yard.

Tree Paintings

Notes From My Tree Painting Journal

I started this painting about three years ago and set it aside for some reason. I found it in the storage closet this week and finally got it done. It is 12x16 inches, oils on archival canvas panel.It  is really wet, so I will let it dry and touch up the flowers and the light here and there in a few days. I used a combo of brush, with painting knife, mostly on the tree trunks and branches. I like working on various greens like this as a way of practicing. When you live in Florida, you can't know enough about mixing green. So much of the year is green here!!

A reader asked about Chorus Fungicide. This is what I found at www.agnet.com/au

Formulation Type	Water dispersible granule
Overview	CHORUS is a specialist fungicide for protection against Black Spot in apples and pears and Blossom Blight and Brown Rot of Apricots, Peaches, Plums and Nectarines. It is particularly suitable for use early in the season because it provides reliable control during periods of high disease pressure, low temperatures or adverse weather conditions. Conventional protectant fungicides are subject to 'wash-off', whereas the systemic activity of CHORUS offers protection from 'inside' the crop.
Recommended Uses	CHORUS provides premium, early season protection against Black Spot in apples and pears and Blossom Blight and Brown Rot of Apricots, Peaches, Plums and Nectarines. Applied between spurburst and petal fall/ shuck fall, CHORUS will provide 7 to
Advantages	CHORUS: unique chemistry from a chemical group that is different from all other protectant fungicides
Benefits	CHORUS: protection from inside the leaf which doesn't wash off disease protection no matter what the weather outstanding performance under cold, wet conditions and high disease pressure high levels of safety to beneficial insects an ideal fit into IPM and IFP programs excellent fruit finish single low application rate of 40 g/100L (high volume application method) or 800 g/ha (low volume application method) convenient, easy to handle granular formulation
Mode of Action	CHORUS is a member of the a Group I fungicides. CHORUS contains 500 g/kg of the active ingredient, cyprodinil. Once applied, the active ingredient quickly penetrates the cuticle and moves into the leaf, where it inhibits penetration of the germinating spore, causing it to wither and die.In addition, it stops the production of the enzyme needed to break down the leaf surface for penetration of fungal hyphae, thus limiting further infection. This dual mode of action, coupled with good persistence within the leaf, results in a high level of protection, even under adverse weather conditions.
Chemical Group	anilinopyramidine
General Instructions	Mixing  CHORUS Foliar Fungicide is a water dispersible granule (WG) fungicide which mixes readily with water. Partly fill the spray tank with water. Start the agitation and add the correct amount of product to the spray tank with the agitation system running. Continue agitation while topping up the spray tank with water. Add the surfactant at the completion of filling of the spray tank. Continue agitation while spraying.  Tank Mixing - When mixing CHORUS and other water dispersible granule (WG) or wettable powder (WP) formulations, ensure they are added and mixed well prior to adding emulsifiable concentrate (EC) or suspension concentrate (SC) products. Wettable powder (WP) formulations should be pre-mixed separately and then added to the spray tank. Application  Ground Application only Apply by high volume (dilute) sprayer or by concentrate sprayer. Dilute spraying: Use a sprayer designed to apply high volumes of water up to the point of run-off and matched to the crop being sprayed. Set up and operate the sprayer to achieve even coverage throughout the crop canopy. Apply sufficient water to cover the crop to the point of run-off. Avoid excessive run-off. The required water volume may be determined by applying different test volumes, using different settings on the sprayer, from industry guidelines or expert advice. Add the amount of product specified in the Direction for Use table for each 100 L of water. Spray to the point of run-off. The required dilute spray volume will change and the sprayer set up and operation may also need to be changed, as the crop grows. Concentrate spraying: Use a sprayer designed and set up for concentrate spraying (that is a sprayer which applies water volumes less than those required to reach the point of run-off) and matched to the crop being sprayed. Set up and operate the sprayer to achieve even coverage throughout the crop canopy using your chosen water volume. Determine an appropriate dilute spray volume (see Dilute spraying above) for the crop canopy. This is needed to calculate the concentrate mixing rate. The mixing rate for concentrate spraying can then be calculated in the following way: Example only 1.Dilute spray volume as determined above: for example 2,000 L/ha 2.Your chosen concentrate spray volume: for example 500 L/ha 3.The concentration factor in this example is: 4 x (ie 2,000 L / 500 L = 4) 4.If the dilute label rate is 40 g/100 L, then the concentrate rate becomes 4 x 40, that is 160 g/ 100 L of concentrate spray. The chosen spray volume, amount of product per 100 L of water, and the sprayer set up and operation may need to be changed as the crop grows. DO NOT use a concentrate rate higher than that specified in the Critical Comments. For further information on concentrate spraying, users are advised to consult relevant industry guidelines, undertake appropriate competency training and follow industry Best Practices. Compatibility  CHORUS can be mixed with Anvil*, Bogard, Delfin, Gusathion*, Insegar, Lorsban*, Nustar*, parathion, Pirimor, Supracide, Systhane* and Topas Registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company *Registered trademarks Integrated Pest Management At label rates and timing, CHORUS Foliar Fungicide has minimal effect on predatory mites.
Restraints	The effect of CHORUS could be diminished if rain falls within 2 hours of application. DO NOT apply by aircraft.
Resistance Warning	CHORUS Foliar Fungicide is a member of the anilinopyrimidine group of fungicides. For fungicide resistance management CHORUS Foliar Fungicide is a Group 9 fungicide. Some naturally occurring individual fungi resistant to CHORUS Foliar Fungicide and other Group 9 fungicides may exist through normal genetic variability in any fungal population. The resistant individuals can eventually dominate the fungi population if these fungicides are used repeatedly. These resistant fungi will not be controlled by CHORUS Foliar Fungicide and other Group 9 fungicides, thus resulting in a reduction in efficacy and possible yield loss. Since the occurrence of resistant fungi is difficult to detect prior to use, Syngenta Crop Protection Pty Ltd accepts no liability for any losses that may result from the failure of CHORUS Foliar Fungicide to control resistant fungi.
Protection of wildlife, fish, crustaceans and environment	DANGEROUS TO FISH AND OTHER AQUATIC ORGANISMS. DO NOT contaminate dams, waterways or drains with the product or its containers.
Protection of crop, native and other non-target plants	DO NOT apply under weather conditions or from spraying equipment that may cause spray drift onto nearby susceptible plant/crops, cropping lands or pastures.  AVOID spray drift onto cherries as crop damage may occur.
Safety Directions	Will irritate the eyes. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after use. Repeated exposure may cause allergic disorders. When opening the container, preparing spray and using the prepared spray wear: -cotton overalls buttoned to the neck and wrist, -a washable hat, -elbow-length PVC gloves and  -face shield or goggles. After each day's use, wash gloves, face shield or goggles and contaminated clothing.
Storage	Store in the closed, original container in a dry, well ventilated area, as cool as possible out of direct sunlight.
Disposal	Single rinse liner before disposal. Add rinsings to the spray tank. DO NOT dispose of undiluted chemicals on site. Puncture and bury empty containers in a local authority landfill. If not available, bury the containers below 500 mm in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose clear of waterways, vegetation and roots. Empty containers and product should not be burnt.
Precautions	Re-entry Period  DO NOT allow entry into treated areas for 2 days after application unless wearing cotton overalls buttoned to the neck and wrist (or equivalent clothing) and chemical resistant gloves. Clothing must be laundered after each day's use.
Company Details	SYNGENTA Level 1, 2-4 Lyon Park Road North Ryde NSW 2113 Tel : 02 8876 8444 Fax : 02 8876 8446 Email : syngenta.advice@syngenta.com Web : www.syngenta.com.au

Another classroom demonstration

Tree Paintings

Notes From my Tree Journal

I often use trees as my subject for demonstrations for my Saturday afternoon painting class. This was part of a series of three progressive painting studies for a possible larger painting. I showed you the other two recently here on the blog. They are timed at 15 minutes for number one, 25 minutes for number two, and 45 minutes for number three. After each painting, we stop and talk about the painting and what can be done to improve composing, color mixing and brushwork. Then we go on for both other paintings, doing the same analysis after each one. I like doing this for my own work before tackling a large painting. I learn a lot and feel more comfortable before I begin a large work. I sell the studies, so there is no wasted effort.

A Bit of Light at Fair Oaks

Tree Paintings

Notes from my Tree Journal

I had some time today to do this 9x12 inch painting. I love a scene like this, with dark masses of trees with light popping out in a few spots. The challenge is to keep yourself from over developing the scene. All of these studies help me to learn a bit more about light, mass and the design of notan.

A tree Study

Tree Paintings

Notes From my Tree Painting Journal

I've been quite busy since I got home from travels, doing flower paintings and commissions, but I did manage to finish this tree study, 8x6 inches. (Sorry for the glare) I started it weeks ago with my Saturday afternoon students. We were studying tree trunks and limbs without tree canopies. I picked it up after I got back to finish it up.

Hopefully in a couple of weeks I can get back to my tree work. I've been practicing with oils on my flower paintings and in about a month, I will be far enough along with developing my oil skills to do a medium format tree painting.

A couple of Live Oak Studies

Tree Paintings

Tree Paintings

Notes From My Tree Painting Journal

I've been traveling quite a while, so it is good to get back to my studio and do some tree work. This little painting started out as a class exercise with some of my students weeks back. We did a series of progressive paintings which were timed. I had about 15 minutes to do this painting. Today I went back and touched it up for another 15 minutes and called it done. Lots of fun. I have two other tree paintings done in the same exercise that I'll show you this week. They were all done with a  five color palette.

Coming Events

Tree Paintings

Notes From my Tree Journal

If you live near Gainesville FL, please come to the Mob Exhibit at Thornebrook Gallery. Each artist will exhibit one painting. it is an invitational. This year's Mob Exhibit will feature one of my tree paintings, a Live Oak in Evinston FL at Fair oaks, where I am an artist in residence.

I'll be painting lovely flowers this week at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. I'll be painting in the UK pavilion of the World Showcase on Friday-Sunday. I hope to see you there.

Florida Pines

Tree Paintings

Notes From my Tree Journal

Pines are one of my favorite subjects. This scene was behind my cabin at Wekiva State Park last week.  It was painted alla prima, which I rarely do with larger format paintings. This one is 18x24 inches on stretched canvas. I will want to do a few tweaks to it this week when I get back in my loft studio. I liked the palette for this painting, more subtle and subdued than last years palette for the paint out. More tree paintings to come........

In Florida, we are lucky to have seven native pine trees.  The two most common pines are the slash pine and the longleaf pine.  Often they are mistaken for each other.  Both have longer needles than the rest of the pine trees. 

The sand pine (Pinus clausa) grows in full sun to a height of about
40 feet.  In spring, it has brownish flowers on the branch tips. The
two to three inch cones are clustered and contain brown, flat winged
seeds that take four years to open and release. This is a short needle
pine with two to three and a half inch green needles that are soft and
flexible and in bundles of two. Older trees have single trunks with brown bark. The bark on younger trees is gray to reddish and is smooth. The sand
pine closely resembles the spruce pine. Both have smooth branchlets when
young and both have bark that is grayish and smooth. The sand pine is found naturally in deep coastal stands and inland dune ridges.

The shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) is found in northern Florida uplands and mixed hardwood stands. It grows in sandy, well drained soils to a height of 100 feet. The trunk is between one and a half to three feet in diameter and has rough reddish brown bark. Remaining on the tree for many years, the two inch cones make nice holiday decorations. The yellow-green needles are two to five inches and in bundles of two and three. It grows best in full sun and is drought tolerant.

The slash pine (Pinus elliottii) is the most widespread. It grows natively from the western panhandle to the tip of the peninsula and the keys. They are found in open woodlands and fields in full sun and tolerate many soil types. With a fast growth rate, they can reach a height of 80 feet. The dark green needles are 8 to 12 inches and are in bundles of two and three. Its branches are at the top of a tall dark brown trunk that can be up to three feet in diameter. The purple-brown flowers appear in spring. Throughout the year, it has three to five inch long spiny-scaled cones that contain the seeds. Although pines are fire resistant, this pine is more fire dependent. The heat helps the cones open and release their seeds. The seeds are a food source for small animals and birds.

The spruce pine (Pinus glabra) grows in moist soil that is fertile and acidic. It is found in rich woodlands and mixed hardwood forests. It likes full sun and reaches a height of 80 feet, growing fast during the first five years, then the growth rate slows. Younger trees have gray bark and branches near the ground while the older trees have almost black bark and are more open with branches at the top. At the end of these branches are short yellow clusters of flowers in spring. Being one of the short needle pines, the spruce has dark green to yellow green needles that are two to three inches long and are in bundles of two. The cones are up to two inches in length and come in clusters of two or three. These small cones remain on the tree for two to three years and turn gray as they age.

The longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) grows to a height of 80 feet in full sun. It is found in sandhill uplands and flatwoods ecosystem. It has a tall straight trunk with thick brown bark and branches at the top. During the spring, rose-purple flower clusters are borne on the branch tips. The glossy needles are nine to 18 inches long and are in bundles of three. Early settlers used to make baskets with these long needles. The large brown cones that are up to ten inches long, make good holiday decorations. This pine likes acidic soil that is well drained, dry and sandy. The first seven years of its life are spent in a rosette (or grassy) stage. This is the longest lived along the pine trees. Due to their fire resistance, longleaf pines may be found with an understory of only saw palmettos or no understory at all.

The pond pine (Pinus serotina) occurs naturally throughout the panhandle and southern central Florida in poorly drained flatwoods and pond edges. The four to eight inch needles are in bundles of three and four. There are many short branches that occur all along the sometimes twisted and deformed looking trunk. After an injury from a fire, foliage may grow in tufts right from the trunk. The cones are 'top' shaped and remain unopened on the tree for many years.

The loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is the fastest growing southern pine. It grows in full sun up to 80 feet. The small yellowish brown flowers are borne on the ends of the branches in spring. While it tolerates many soil types, it prefers slightly acidic soil. The yellowish green needles are six to ten inches long and are in bundles of three. Sharp spines line the tips of the three to six inch brown cones. This pine does not have a deep root system and is easy to transplant. A rather widespread pine, it can be found in old fields, uplands and low woodlands from northern to just below central Florida.

There are several key factors in identifying pine trees: bark, cones, needle length, how many needles are bound together in a cluster , and habitat. All these factors must be taken into consideration to properly identify the pines because occasionally trees within the same species have characteristics similar to other species.

Some pines occur throughout the state. Others are limited to specific habitats. There are pine trees in nearly every Florida ecosystem. So climb back into that hammock and enjoy those pines throughout the year.

Herman Kurtz and Robert K. Godfrey. Trees of Northern Florida. University Presses of Florida. 1986

Gil Nelson. The Shrubs and Woody Vines of Florida. Pineapple Press, Inc. 1996 Gil Nelson. The Trees of Florida. Pineapple Press, Inc. 1994

http://www.floridata.com/ (plant encyclopedia) 

http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/ (search LSU Ag center Tree Index)