trees

trees

I once set up an easel and painted in Hampton Court. Friendly people would come over to see what I was doing. They would look, then wince, then leaving some conciliatory words hanging in the air, walk briskly away. Plein air wasn’t for me. But I get the same sensation looking at trees as I do people. You can make the same sort of journey around the shapes. Forms are linear and changes of course are sinuous and abrupt. Strength is balanced with flex. They are vulnerable and enduring. They share both individuality and family resemblance. They grow according to the space they have. Most of them also have an equivalent to clothed and nude. These drawings were made in the garden.