Tree Sounds

What do you think of when you see the words “Tree Sounds?” Do you think of the wind rustling through leaves? Or maybe you hear scratchy noises as a squirrel couple scampers up, grabs tree leaves to make a nest? There are so many other tree sounds to describe! But, first, I’ll write the purpose of this post and blog for newcomers (welcome newcomers!).

Small Spaces Special Places

Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. This year’s is “Small Spaces Special Places.” One reason for this theme is I have been surprised, even delighted, with the small spaces in our house that have captured my eye.

Then, there are the special places I see on my daily dog walks here in Raleigh and on camping treks, too. Each morning, rain or shine, I love getting outdoors and looking for special places to paint. Sometimes, we venture on the road and I share paintings of special places from these trips.

If you know someone who you think might enjoy a weekly dose of color, with a dash of art history, please encourage them to sign up here for this weekly blog. Let’s get to the colorful stuff, shall we?

Teenage Oak Tree Sounds

I wonder what sounds a teenage oak tree makes? Does it play it’s music too loud? Or maybe does it complain about too much homework or Zoom school sessions? Even if the answer is ‘yes’ to all of these questions, I was thrilled to see and paint this teenage oak today.

The light around this young tree’s shadow was a pink-ish color. Late in the painting, I noticed some of that pink flickering in the shadow. As I look at this painting now, away from the ‘scene’ it looks abstract! Wow – how cool is that!

Here’s the photo of the tree so you can get an idea of what I was actually painting! Ha! I’m actually delighted that this ‘real’ painting has some abstract qualities.

Back to Basics

I went back to basics with this little painting. I only had 5 colors on my palette: red, yellow, blue, black and titanium white. Why? Most mornings, I walk to my painting destination. This tree is about a 20 minute walk from our house. I wanted to lighten my backpack load and every tube of paint counts. Plus I thought it would be interesting to see if I could get some of the greens I see without my two ‘go to’ colors. What are they you might ask? Quinacridone Magenta and Cadmium Green Pale. Did I miss them today? Not one bit!

I have written in previous posts about using less to create more. That continues to be of interest to me. That’s why I am excited to share this week’s art history landscape painting. The title is a variation of the title of my painting. But that is where the similarity ends. Check out the incredible elegance and simplicity of this beautiful ink painting on silk.

The title of this painting is just as beautiful as the image itself “Sounds are coming from the trees” by Ahn Jung-sik. There is a depth and dreaminess to this painting that is captivating to me. And, even though this a monochromatic painting, it feels rich and colorful. It’s a perfect example of communicating so much with so little. What do you think of this painting?

More Tree Sounds

Lest you think the tree sounds are only coming from above the ground, consider reading Suzanne Simard’s latest book. She is a tree and forest ecologist and her findings will blow you away!

Lastly, I invite you to join me as I share daily composition tips on my Instagram account. Bonus, I will be offering these tips for both artists and collectors. So hopefully, you, dear reader, will find some handy information there.

Favorite Tree Sounds

What are your favorite tree sounds? I would love to hear from you. So please share in the comments below.