Saturday, July 14, 2012

Family Tree

A good friend commissioned me to paint a family tree for her parents golden wedding anniversary. We had a good chat about what she wanted, and she had sketched out her ideas.


I wanted some inspiration to create something really unique. I visited one of our Fair Trade suppliers in Richmond, they are based in a unit within the grounds of a huge London town house. We walked through the long lawned gardens of the house and went through a little gate in the wall to go out for lunch (the first time I have been out for Polish food - it was fabulous!) There is a huge blossom tree in the centre of the garden, which actually reaches the entire width and into the adjacent garden. I took a few pictures and was able to base my family tree on this beauty! Rumour has it, The Archers was originally thought up in this very garden.



The Blossom Tree & Me 
Started with washes of colour to create depth, and then began to create the deep roots and knots in the trunk   
Began to create the blossom using a very pale pink to pick out flowers, & a grey blue for shadowed areas creating form.
Began work on the trunk, which became 'blues' sometimes these things are not planned... and they take me by surprise! I love it when that happens - I am sure the paintbrush takes over sometimes.
Detail showing the family names 'carved' into the branches
Faith, hope & love carved into the roots of the tree





Almost finished... but suddenly felt the background wash tones didn't quite work...



Complete. Very happy with this piece, and happy to find out the recipients were very pleased, and had never seen a Family Tree like this one... ! 









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