In search of a new old tree

I’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!