Tree obsession

 Think I have a tree obsession. Not sure how bad it is yet, but I've noticed, in the past 2 days I've done at least 5 drawings of them. This obsession came to light as I've been going through old drawings and photos of mine trying to find ideas to turn into etchings. Putting together several images, I realised two thirds of them where trees, or wood related.

 Very quick colour sketch, one day to turn into a proper painting, but I loved the way the winter light hit the bare poplars, with some of them in rich lilac shade.

 I love seeing how fallen trees carry on growing, their branches turning into trees themselves, carrying on despite the odds.

So, not sure where these drawings will take me, but I have an idea it could be quite an absorbing project ahead of me...

Dead but not ignored

I pass this tree whenever I drive into Edinburgh. Its dead and has been for many years, as I've been wanting to draw it whenever I pass it. Finally I did stop, as I'm sure one day the 'Health and Safety' laws will deem it unsafe and liable to fall on unsuspecting motorists, or a farmer will think it's in the way and chop it down, so I thought I'd get it down on paper and commemorate its gorgeous strong shape and interlacing nude branches. A tree in all its naked simple glory. Didn't get it all down, but I hope got the essence of it, and hopefully soon, I'll finish it off in a painting.

Sketched and etched

So, I finally collected the etchings I did a week ago. The trees were from a sketch I did on a walk, though forgot that the image would actually be reversed - live and learn I always say...
The 'bees on acid' etch (as a friend described it!) is actually the Giants Causeway, a drawing I did from a photo I took last year in Northern Ireland, and turned into an aquatint. I love the effects of the aquatint and can't wait to try some more. Now got to think up a new idea, as I've got a prepared plate to work on to make sure I do actually go back and not wasted this opportunity of 3 months membership.

I've been trying to get together a series of sketches in preparation for an etching course I've booked myself on - here is the first. A wee group of trees drawn on a very cold but beautiful day trying to stay upright on an icy road, with a very patient dog waiting for me to get going again.

Not quite sure what drawing I'll finally covert into an etching this weekend, and not even sure if this one will make the cut, but can't wait to get started. If it all turns out well, I'll post my efforts next week, and who knows, it may be a new way forward for me.