Somewhere in the woods

When the snow flies, its nice to dream about warm summer greens and the hidden peace back in these woods. 

Mary Oliver writes in a relaxed, no nonsense, seemingly simple  style. Yet in a few short lines she delivers a generous helping of truths. Her poem, “How I Go Into the Woods” is just such a piece. In her down to earth way she describes her prayerful, joyful experiencing of woods, not as a social experience but as a personal full sensory practice akin to forest bathing also known as shinrin-yoku. Well worth enjoying: 

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/519482-how-i-go-to-the-wood-ordinarily-i-go-to

Gouache, 9×12 on watercolour paper mounted on gallery cradled board – $125

Brilliant Closure

True colours revealed!

For most of the year, chlorophyll fills the leaves producing energy for the tree. The green is the reflected light spectrum we see. In the fall, the tree turns toward rest and energy conservation for the winter months. Energy production stops – no more green. The brilliant colours are revealed as the leaves die and return to the soil. 

Probably for survival, our evolution has made us highly tuned to contrast, movement and change. Perhaps is this particularly heightened during the fall – this Flaming American Beech being a wonderful example.

Guache, 12×12 on watercolour paper mounted on 1” cradled board – $160