Winter Birch – Mainly watercolour with some acrylic body paint
Just a smattering of snow in this woodland scene. Current temperature was around -1C but soon warmed up and the whiteness vanished. Boo!
latest updates: Birch
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2013Jan 80
tags: Birch | Brrrr | snow -
2012Nov 23
tags: Birch | trees
Birches – Ink
An attempt to show the different rates our trees loose their leaves. The birches – the focal point of this sketch, have lost their leaves. These trees are always among the first to come into leaf in springtime and, are the first to loose their leaves at the back end of the year. The elms and beeches, in the distance have, by comparison, retained most of their foliage – but not for long as winter is now nigh.
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2012Jan 29
tags: Birch | Ratho | trees
It shouldn’t be here – Watercolour and Inktense
This birch tree stands among loads of old beech trees on the south side of Platt Hill. Whenever its windy it sways about in a terrifying manner while the tops of the beeches are the only parts which move. Its like a weather barometer advertising wind strength. Although it seems to move massive distances it has survived all of the bad storms and this is probably due to the fact that it doesn’t resist wind but bends with it. Perhaps a lesson for life?
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2011Jan 25
tags: Birch | Brrrr | snow
Snowy Birches – Watercolour
Just a small study of some of my favourite trees. In these parts, Birches are among the first to loose their foliage in the Autumn but the first to burst into life in early spring. Lying under this snow its almost possible to imagine them getting ready to go, rather like a sprinter on the starting blocks. If we don’t get another cold snap I reckon a change will be noticed in around eight weeks.
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2010Apr 11
tags: Birch | trees
The Spring Dance – Watercolour with Ink highlights in a Watercolour Moleskine
I always reckon that spring has arrived when the birch trees come into leaf and start to produce the first sign of catkins. This is a painting, based on a local scene about five miles from our house. I say “based” as the small cottage is right next to a busy road and to try to stop would be suicidal. This is, therefore, from memory. This birch always catches the eye and I’ve been meaning to “do it” for some time now. This “lady of the forest” is starting to show off her spring outfit, stealing a march on the other trees especially the old oak behind which still displays his winter garb. The slightest breeze gives her the opportunity to move gracefully like a young girl showing off a new outfit. When the oak has his summer foliage, this birch will have mellowed to lovely greens, yellows and browns as, like most ladies she demands a new and regular outfit. I can hardly wait. The cottage is typical of small buildings in Scotland. It would originally have been a “farm” or “tied cottage” just large enough to allow the farmer’s workers a roof over their heads. Over the years these buildings, which are scattered around the country, would have fallen into disrepair but now they are widely sought after and the new tenants tend to build onto the existing structure as can be seen here. Its a well quoted ambition for newly-weds to announce that they want to buy and renovate an old property when they set out on life’s journey. We tried this, early on, which might explain why we now stay in a modern built house.
