Sunday, January 11, 2009

Trees and Garden



Today was another study day - studying trees and trying to work out how to paint trees so that they look natural but painterly.
I am struggling with trees. I'm not sure what the answer is but I feel it lies in brushwork and controlling the paint. The learning process goes on.


This morning the sun was shining through under the trees and over our garden wall, highlighting one side of the guardhouse at the front gate. The chairs are where our armed guards sit and have their tea on sunny days. The 18" metal spikes that surround the property are a constant reminder of the security threat, along with the double layer of metal bars on every window

5 comments:

Jeanette Jobson said...

I think you're getting the effects you want from these two pieces. Trees are very complex to draw or paint. I don't know the secret to it but I'm sure studying values and shapes helps as well as seeing how other artists paint them.

I can't imagine living with armed guards and iron bars. It must take some getting used to.

Mary said...

Anita, I don't see that you have had any trouble with trees but I sure do admire your perseverence.

Robyn Sinclair said...

Your trees are looking very accomplished, Anita. I've yet to paint my first!

Great sketch of your garden but I really would like to break you out of there. You deserve Rome.

Anita said...

Jeanette - I think I have to stop thinking of them as trees but as shapes and think of the intersections of colours and values more.

Mary - Only one way to get where you want to be, try, try and try again.

Robyn - I am plotting my escape - only thing is I have to wait 8 months to do it!

Lisa Lorenz said...

Love the birch tree Anita. Hope your new year so far is going great. I see you have lots of creativity going on..xoxo Lisa

all artwork is copyright of Anita Murphy 2006/2007/2008/2009