Watercolour and pen on paper
61cm x 51cm in frame
£125 - BUY NOW
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This watercolour painting of a yew tree combines a close-up of the tree trunk with a view in a different direction up towards the canopy of the tree. Being partially sighted, I intended this painting to capture something of the way in which I personally engage with nature. It combines expressive, abstract elements in the background of the sky and the canopy, with more detailed sections on the trunk of the tree. This mirrors how I see large vistas out of focus, while enjoying playfully getting up close to look at and touch details.
The close-up of the bark on the tree trunk is intended to encourage the viewer to get close to the tree, to look at and feel the detail of the bark.  The view up towards the sky is intended to encourage the viewer to stand close to the tree trunk and look up through the canopy, listening to the moving leaves and the wildlife.
I have included a plaque on the tree trunk similar to those found throughout Westonbirt Arboretum. The message on this plaque mentions taxol, a powerful cancer drug that was originally derived from yew trees.
Taxus brevifolia
Pacific Yew Tree
I could poison you as soon as look at you! But you… lean in close… I’ll bear your weight… my roots will take your tears.
My taxol could cure you.
…breathe deep… hope…