Silent Teacher

"Trees are sanctuaries.
Whoever knows how to speak to them,
and whoever knows how to listen to them,
can learn the truth.
They do not preach learning and precepts,
they preach, undeterred by particulars,
the ancient law of life."
~ Hermann Hesse

My Friend Willow
Original ID # A-10-17 - Signed 8 x 10", Matted Alcohol Ink on Yupo Paper
Available here.

This is the first Willow Tree I've ever painted in a winter scene. I started off just winging it, based on a painting I did in the first 30 Paintings in 30 Days challenge back in January of 2013. After I thought I was done, I let it set a while because it just didn't look right. Something was lacking, so I added the fine hanging branches and (the swing - first ever also) and it's already sold! See what the tree looked like before adding the fine tendrils and swing here.

I still have early childhood memories of climbing our next door neighbors' Willow in their backyard. I felt so large and powerful up there, looking down on everything familiar that seemed so small. I wasn't supposed to be up there and got in a lot of trouble every time I was caught. The last experience I remember, was getting icky, sticky sap ALL OVER myself. Then I had to go home and admit to the crime and pay the consequences. The neighbors ended up cutting all the lower branches off after that, so it quickly and effectively ended my happy Willow climbing days.

My First 30 Paintings in 30 Days Series
Watercolor Paintings on Yupo Paper - Inspired by Quotes About Trees - January 2013
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