Enchanted Bark

Oil on Stretched Linen, 30cm x 40cm unframed
 
My aim when painting these old gum trees is to capture the intricate beauty of their ‘skin’, drawing the viewer right up close to focus on their “hidden jewels”. I aspire for tree bark to be noticed and celebrated through my work sparking inspiration for one to seek it out in real life too. 
Through an application of heavily layered oil paint applied with my favoured palette knives, I capture that same tactile quality of a tree’s trunk which makes one reach out to feel these majestic ancient friends.