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| Maple Tree in Shade Oil on panel 5x7in © Jim Serrrett |
"A tree against the sky possesses the same interest,
the same character, the same expression as the figure of a human." - Georges Rouault
This amazing Maple tree is just out the studio widow, I have
observed it in every type of weather and it always impresses me. I was interested in the relationships between the shadow and sun lite areas of the canopy. The balance of light and dark foliage is
described by small color note changes in a fairly complex pattern which looked
like a good painter’s problem to solve. To paint the maple I set up my pochade
box easel outside in the shadow of the eaves of the house along the drive way
and painted this sketch in multiple sittings, by returning at the same time and
under the same weather condition.
While dealing with the inherent challenges in painting this
subject, as I slowed down and observed, I
really began to connect and appreciate this beautiful tree, finding a lot of personality and spirit in this maple. The piece
became more than a landscape study and became a portrait of a tree.
Explore - Question - Learn - - Enjoy, Jim
