Leading on from ‘Gathering’, I have noticed that two or three trees appear to be in a fellowship with each other: a communion of interconnectedness and unity.
These are from the Norsworthy end of Burrator Reservoir.
I have been looking at small groups of trees, particularly those that give a sense of separateness from the rest of the forest, or clusters that can be singled out from the rest of the landscape;
trees that are gathering.
This tree, near Northsworthy Bridge on Dartmoor, seems to be the epitome of the bleakness of winter, as it leans over, blown by cold winds against a colder sky.
Burrator Reservoir and the surrounding forests are a great source of inspiration for me. I regularly visit when the sun is low in winter, or the area is heavily misted. I’m particularly drawn to these quiet, atmospheric scenes and take photographs to use for my drawings.
Another beautifully rounded oak tree from the edge of Dartmoor, which fitted into the square frame perfectly! I spotted this tree near Yelverton on Dartmoor.
I attended a monotype workshop led by the talented Gemma Gunning from Bristol and enjoyed experimenting with single colour printing and using different textural techniques. It was a great opportunity to loosen up the creative process and gave me ideas for future work. Spirit is one of many prints that I made that day.
Sadly in July 2024 I heard that the beautiful Lucombe Oak in Widey Woods had succumbed to high winds and the tree fell. The hollow base of the trunk could not support the tall structure of the tree and it crashed across the top path in the woods. It was such a sad sight to see, not just because of its age and stature, but because it was known locally to many as the tall tree with amazing twisted branches.
I took several photos of this fallen giant, which I hope to document in the future with drawings and prints. The local authority had cut a couple of fallen branches to allow for access, and I brought a small log home to make prints.
' This Leafless World' 1 This piece is the first in the series of monotypes with drawings are inspired by the landscape of Dartmoo...
