In search of a new old tree
Posted: September 19, 2024 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: autumn tree, my favourite tree, watercolour sketch 13 CommentsI’ve started interviewing candidates for the role of “My Favourite Tree”. For over a decade I sketched a big old sugar maple near our former house, but that tree is just a little too far away so I’m in search of a new one. I couldn’t start my research in the summer when everything was very green, but now that the trees have started to colour slightly, I am on the lookout every time I take a walk or a drive.
Here are my criteria, in no particular order:
- It should be a sugar maple that turns bright orange yellow in the fall
- It should be situated in a place where I can park (legally) and sketch from my car
- It should have a good, full shape and not be partially hacked off by the power company
Yesterday, I met the first contender. It’s located on Lower Maple in Hudson, just below Main. I can see it from a good parking spot, even though it’s on a low section of the road, and it seems like the shape is quite full. Only problem is, it’s partially obscured by a stone house on the right and another one on the left. For that reason, I don’t think it’s a winner and I will continue my search. If you live in my neck of the woods and have any ideas, please share!
I have an idea. The trees at the Grey Nuns. It might be worth revisiting to find “that One”.,On Cote des Neiges road, next to all the Catholic churches there are really nice older trees.
Thanks Stephanie. I will certainly try to get there to see them!
Sadly I cannot help you. However given you have put me on a “tree improvement” program, a question. Do you put in the trunk and branches in before or after you have painted the leaves. Or some before and some after? Thank you!
HI Bunny,
First I draw it all in pencil. Then I paint all the foliage sections, thinking about the shapes of lights and darks. When that is dry, I add in the branches, sometimes putting them in spaces between the foliage and sometimes right over foliage, as you would see on a real tree. Then sometimes I go back in to add darker foliage bits.
I hope that helps!
Shari
I think there might be some in North Norfolk if you’re ever that way 😉
I should have looked while I was there!! I guess I will have to come back.
Oh, it’s sooooo beautiful!
I hope I find a better one than this!
Beautiful. That’s quite a massive tree! Good luck with your search.
Thanks Joan!
I can think of a few but I’ll look INTO it (side streets)as parking on Cote Road is not easy..
I figure that if anyone would know, it would be you : )
This one looks beautiful, but happy hunting. I’m sure that even if you don’t find the perfect tree, you’ll share some other exciting find with us!
Denise