On 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!

Saturday, August 04, 2007

The trick of trees


I'm learning -- or trying to learn -- how to paint trees. I don't know why it's so hard for me given how much I love trees and I've seen them all my life. Oh I know, whole books are given to the art of depicting trees but still, I thought it would be easier. One more thing on my growing list of things I want to learn how to draw......

3 comments:

  1. I think the key to why you are having trouble is in what you said: you've seen them all your life. That usually makes things twice as hard, because when we are especially familiar with something we tend to see the symbol for it and not the thing itself. When you look at the tree you have difficulty seeing its' pure color and form and value free of any preconcieved notions, instead you see "tree". The truth is you've made a great start and if you just keep practicing you'll get better and better. It takes time to "untrain" our brain and let our eyes focus in on what is really there. You'll get it. Go slow, and hang tough!

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  2. Painting and drawing trees have to be the hardest subject...ever! At least it is for me and I cringe everytime I try to draw one. I read somewhere that when painting a tree, use a partially dry sea sponge for the leaves, then draw the branches around it. I haven't tried it yet since I rarely do any painting, but it sounds like it would work! Hang in there! You'll soon be a master with them! Joyce

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  3. Anonymous3:56 PM

    I have to agree with what Juj said. I think you're off to a wonderful start. Just keeping looking, seeing, studying and soon you'll be painting amazing trees for us to gush over. :-)

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