Aspen Wood

I did a piece similar to this back in November. (If you are curious, checkout “Quaking Aspen” in Private Collections on my website.)

There is something about this motif that I am drawn to, so I decided to reinterpret the scene again emphasizing the beautiful golden display and the movement in the grasses up front.

I am drawn to trees especially as I learn more about them. So what’s so special about aspens? 

A lovely article from the University of Guelph, by Rachel Irwin provides a great summary of their good qualities. 

https://arboretum.uoguelph.ca/Listservnewsletter/June_2018/Trembling_Aspens_Rachel_Irwin_June_2018.pdf

Above all they are resilient; they are survivors. They are a phoenix of the plant world. Because they grow from a common root stock, they will quickly regrow even after a disastrous fire. As the first on the scene, they earn the title of “nurse tree” providing shelter and support for other plants and animals.

So, here’s to the group in this picture which is probably one connected family.

Acrylic, 20×20 on gallery canvas – $480

Water Lilies

Back to that pond with its water lilies, a dream replayed, still gorgeous. 

It was a beautiful day, the sun was centre stage in a blue sky with wispy clouds. The pond was still and peaceful with these floating stars, presided over by a couple of frogs – a quiet oasis of calm, mindfulness and gratitude.

This piece is a retake on one I completed almost exactly two years ago – “Waterlilies, Koi and Sky”.

Acrylic, 18×18 on gallery canvas