Drawing trees has been a love of mine since my mum first showed me how to represent their dividing branches. There's something in the ever decreasing, repeating pattern of their boughs that comforts me as I draw. Add to that, the colours of the leaves and the beautiful textures of the bark, moss and lichen and it's little wonder they're an inspiration for so many. As it's National Tree Week, I'll take a look at how the beauty of local trees has influenced my work.
There are some very striking trees near the Millennium Way at the top of Sky Hill. I feel very triumphant each time I reach them on a walk, as I know I've reached the top of my uphill climb. As I can see them from my house, I look at them each day and know I'm near home when I can see them. They give me comfort and act as a landmark. It's amazing how even distantly viewed trees can have such an effect and no wonder it causes such upset when they are suddenly removed from view, either deliberately or by the wind.
The Isle of Man Nature Journal logo was designed around an image of a tree. The mirroring of the roots underground (in this case represented by the leaves of a journal) to the branches above, has a wonderful symmetry and is a characteristic explored by many artists in the past and perhaps, most notably features in the Celtic tree of life.
Grenaby Artist Studios, where I'm lucky enough to have a space, was created by Simon and Kate Maddrell. The view from my door takes in a number of beautiful trees. Not surprising as Simon Maddrell was a founder member and former chairman of the Isle of Man Woodland Trust. The 'pod' I create in is a cosy wooden structure that really helps me feel connected to the countryside around me.
Glorious walks in the glens of the Isle of Man always leave me in awe of the splendour of trees. Ballaglass Glen is a particular favourite as it's so shaded and the light filtering through the trees on a sunny day, gives a wonderful range of effects.
The textures of lichen and moss on trees has always fascinated me. Once I found out that lichen was a living association between fungus and either algae or cyanobacteria, I was hooked for life! When walking in Laxey Glen I picked up a lichen and moss covered twig and was astounded by the colours and complexity of the forms. I tried to convey this in my acrylic gouache painting below.
I don't think it's possible to be bored with a pencil, paper and a couple of trees to sketch. Zoom in and capture the bark, or zoom out and convey the tree's wider form. Whatever you focus on it seems to be worth it.
Currently, trees are making their way into my work in more expressive ways. I'm enjoying the less controlled way of working with these textured watercolour paintings. They allow me to enjoy the form of trees and the magical fluidity of watercolour without worrying about exact representations.
With this week being National Tree Week the Isle of Man Arts Council have been featuring some of the Isle of Man artists that use trees in their work. They have many artists featured on their Facebook profile, including the wonderfully talented Graham Hall of Artforms from Nature, who is also based at Grenaby Studios.
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