Monday, December 6, 2010

Trees ... Christmas Thoughts... Light and Musing


We are quickly approaching the time of the annual Winter Equinox. That date on our calendar corresponds to... and likely accounts for the practice our Christian celebration of Christmas... the birth of Jesus Christ, according to our Christian tradition. Symbolically... both events signal the return of Light to the earth after a long period of hardship and darkness and give reason for those who have been awaiting the Light's return to celebrate and give thanks.

The tree plays a central role in this annual Western World pageantry in almost every home. We decorate our trees with electric lights and shiny, colourful, reflecting decorations. earlier trees were adorned with small tapers to illuminate the houses... and fill the darkened world with Light. Yule logs were dragged into the homes and palaces of the rich with much pomp and singing to give warmth and light. Most modern homes are equipped with wood or gas -burning open fireplaces that become the centre for family gatherings.

Fire and heat... both initially being bi-products of trees... have drawn mankind from our first moments in history... into a dependent relationship with trees. While urban Westerners are less dependent upon trees and wood for these needs, rural areas are still partially dependent- and in other parts of the underdeveloped world they continue to be totally dependent for light, cooking and heat requirements.

Another aspect of our dependence on trees is focused upon our building and tool technological needs. We still frame and clad using wood... furnish and decorate with it and use it as a disposable natural resource for use as a commodity in trade with other countries whose supply of raw wood and lumber is unreliable, or non-existent.

So... we can rightly assume that trees will continue to be a valued and necessary partner in Mankind's pursuit of a sustainability of its presence here on this "Blue Planet". We will continue to depend totally upon the remaining forests of the planet to provide oxygen.... reduce carbon dioxide... and cover the bases in the many ways mentioned above... in all parts of the world... simultaneously.

As one of my regular readers mentioned in his comment, the old adage that he had grown from his youth hearing... still dumb founded and disturbed him... as it does "Me" as well.

"You can't see the forest for the trees." Think about that statement for a moment. What makes that so? "I" believe that Man arrogantly looks at all resources with a sense of collectivity. We look at the vastness and seemingly endless supply of trees... fish... water... minerals... atmosphere... species... with complete arrogance and disregard for the fact that each one of these seemingly boundless resources can be reduced... through arrogance and wholesale harvesting... to one.... then .... none.

We certainly accomplished it easily within less than one hundred years with the passenger pigeon... the bison... the Labrador Duck and if conservationist groups around the world are to be believed.... many single species are disappearing daily. No species or resource is limitless... nor can we afford to believe so.

We can make a difference individually... through better buying choices and use of resources... by educating our young and our neighbours through our actions and our willingness to speak out and assume an active role either together... or alone to change the flow of consumerism and unnecessary development through active and proper stewardship practices.

My question to "You"... in closing is a simple one really. Do "You" care enough to leave a rightful birth right for your children and grandchildren to enjoy in their lifetimes... or will we continue to squander it and take all of it to our graves with us?

Will "We... "pave Paradise... and put in a parkin' lot?" (Joanie Mitchell)

Paint a Tree... or a Forest of trees... for the world to "see"... and share it! Pass it forward!
Another folksy old "tree"truism: "The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree."
Think about that! What are your children and grandkids learning from your actions/inactions??? I wonder! Talk n' walk with them in forests. Introduce them to a tree!

This is my contribution from this week's plein air activity. "Birch Copse In Early Winter"- oil on canvas 24x20 inches.Yes... Winter has arrived here! Snow has fallen all day... every day for the last five consecutive days! Just in time for Christmas! Let it snow!


Good Painting to ALL!

20 comments:

  1. Great winter woods scene! I also love the roots in the post below! I enjoy your artwork and your accompanying sentiments.

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  2. I just knew those were birch trees you have captured them beautifully. We have a lot of silver birches in our area I just love them but have yet to paint or draw them, it is their very fine branches and tiny leaves that always make me fearful! Did you use an underpainting or go for it in one sitting. I just love this painting it is full of beauty and light. The snow is wonderful too. Your post is very thoughtful Bruce.

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  3. Thank "You" Katherine... For your visit and encouraging compliments about the blog's contents!

    After visiting your wonderful site this morning... it is quite obvious that "We" share the same spirit of adventure and a staunch willingness to pursue our passion for Art... regardless of the elements and hurdles that life sometimes seems bent upon laying in our paths!

    I love and admire your wonderfully skillful use of line and colour in your own fine art... but what "I" admire most in "You"... is your positive outlook and use of your energy that brings your work to life!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards...and Wishes for the Season,
    Bruce

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  4. Bruce, another invigorating piece. Just beautiful painting.

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  5. Hi again Caroline!... Winter is indeed here in all its glory! More than two feet on the ground at the moment... and the temps running at -17 Celcius this morning! Real winter!

    Our woodlands and open areas are snow-capped and frosted - a true Winter Wonderland!Exciting!

    I used a completely black acrylic under painting for this one. Just look at the way that the colour dazzles... and the black bits remaining give a stained glass feel to the piece!

    Get out there and paint those silver fellows! Throw caution to the wind. Reduce the "fussy" areas by massing and blurring edges!

    God Painting!
    Warmest regards and Holiday Greetings,
    Bruce

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  6. Thanks for stopping by Kim... and for your encouraging and thoughtful comments! I very much appreciate and value your opinions!

    Glad to see that "You" have been able to maintain that steady "flow"... in your own Daily Painter activity. "You" must be a VERY busy gal... with all the family... and Mrs Santa chores on top of your prolific output of paintings!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards... and the Best of the Holiday Season... to "You",Harry... and "Yours",
    Bruce

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  7. Hi Bruce,

    I love the painting.

    Your sentiments are very timely, in the orgy of consumerism that seems to be what Christmas is about for many people these days.

    All the best,
    Keith

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  8. Thanks Keith... For the visit... and for the words of support!

    Sadly... Christmas has become just what "You" have suggested... an out of control and irresponsible glut of consumerism!

    Our family has agreed to "put on the brakes" this year and to have distinct periods of visiting and spending time with one and other. We will cook together... play games and share time!That's a gifty that costs nothing... yet lasts in one's memory... forever!

    I so look forward to this Christmas and this change in the way that Shermans will celebrate!

    Glad that you liked the painting too. Painting on a totally acrylic black ground is really invigorating. The resulting colour is rich and vibrant I feel! Won't work with watercolour for sure Keith... but will with the acrylics!

    Good Painting and Happy Holidays to "You"... and "Yours"!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. always a pleasure to visit you and your blog bruce
    it's a wonderfull world...full of trees,love it!

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  10. Thanks Rob!... ALWAYS a pleasure to have "You" visit! I always come away uplifted and positive whenever I visit your site!

    Your part of the world is so wonderful... as well! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Wales... and was bowled over by its uniquely diverse landscape patterns... and its friendly folk... Like "You!

    I painted my little heart out while there in watercolour. One day... I'll post a couple to share my impression of its beauty!

    Good painting!... and Happy Holiday Greetings!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. I always enjoy your posts, Bruce. It makes me smile while I read it! This painting is absolutely beautiful..the shadows of the trees on the snow is wonderful and it reminds me of this wonderful Season. Spending time with the family is "All I want for Christmas"! Happy Holidays Bruce..to you and your family.

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  12. Thank "You" Hilda... for your ALWAYS encouraging and uplifting visits and comments!

    It is because of good people such as your Self... and our common willingness to share... that I continue to post regularly!

    Christmas is indeed ALL about Family... and sharing time with them. Time has a sly way of slippin' up on us... and passing some of us before we realize this essential ingredient for Peace... Fulfillment and Happiness!

    May your Christmas be Merry and bright...

    Have fun with your Family!
    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  13. Hi again Suzanne!.... What an honour your compliment is to "Me"!

    "I" so very much admire your body of work... your inventiveness and originality... your ability to nail any subject matter with otstanding colour... the same precision and visual appeal in each genre!

    Thank "You" for taking the time to visit and comment so graciously on my site!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  14. Hi Bruce.
    I love this one. It is about typical Trees in Snow, and you have captured them spot on. Well done Bruce and all the best.
    Vic.

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  15. Thanks Vic... for the visit and compliments... I much appreciate both!

    As we speak... we are under a winter storm advisory in this area... with an expected 10- 40 cm of heavy snow expected during the day and overnight!

    Looks as if I'll have lots more opportunity to make Trees in Snow motifs... but I do very much outdoor winter painting! Stay tuned ... likely more to come!

    Loved your wonderfully animated boat launch piece... with all of its greeness... long gone from these parts! HAHA!! A little gem!

    Good Painting!... and Warm Holiday Greetings!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  16. Another TREE -T for the eyes. You are enjoying good painting, Bruce, and now we all are enjoying it too. Thank-you!

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  17. Hi Bruce! Thanks for your lovely and encouraging visit. I'm a late member on your blog, but i've been sneeking up on you for a long time. :-) Your paintings are so full of light and your love of trees shows in every brushstroke. Beautiful! And I will définitely paint a tree soon. I wish you a Happy Christmas Holiday and good health. Helen

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  18. Hi there Linny!.... "TREE'T"-ing my friends with gifts from the tip of my brush is the best that "I" can offer... from this distance... and in thanks for the gift of your presence at this site!

    It is often one's "presence" rather than "presents" that offer the greatest gift in times of joy... and especially in times of sadness.

    Thank "You" Linny for your presence and kind comments. "I" always look forward to... and thoroughly enjoy our "punny" interactions and conversations! HAHA!!

    Good Painting... and Happy Holidays... to "You" and "Yours"!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  19. Hi Helen!.... Glad that "We" have connected and become Friends... better late than never!HAHA!

    I so enjoyed my first visit to your wonderful site as well. Your unique style and sense of colour really made my heart sing!

    Thank "You" for your encouraging and gracious comments! Do paint a tree soon... "I" will be checkin' in SOON!

    Good Painting!... Warm Holiday Greetings!
    Bruce

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