Sunday 19 May 2013

Tree of life?





























A little bit of fun with ink and coloured pencil.  There are plenty of these old olive trees around here ...the older the better, I just love the twisty and knarled shapes.
Olive branches have traditonally been a symbol of peace for thousands of years and olive trees can live for hundreds of years leading to them being seen as a symbol of immortality.   Now what do you think I'm going to do with this one?  Wait and see!


14 comments:

Unknown said...

Ooh Cathy! My favorite subject these days... trees! I love the twists you put into this one, and the way you arranged the leaves. I also really admire your ability to know what to leave out and what to keep in. This is truly artistic. Very nicely done!

Melliott said...

I especially like the implication of sun at the top of the trunk--it makes the whole picture just pop. Also, beautiful stylized leaves. Nice!

Polly Birchall said...

Aren't they the most painterly trees. This is so good of one with its twists and turns.

martinepittet said...

Gorgeous lines and texture on the trunk !

Minerva said...

Love the texture of the trunk!

Sandra said...

Gee, is this stunning piece what one can do with colored pencils! Nice work.

Alex said...

looks beautiful and the details are amazing! :)

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

Really beautiful, love the lines and all swirls. Great colours.

Anonymous said...

I have lots of photos of old olive trees which I took in Majorca. You have captured the textured bark beautifully.
Do you remember "my" tree which you did a painting of some time ago? Unfortunately it has lost a big branch over the winter, and is looking very sad!

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

Wow look at all the wonderful detail. I love that you are working with pencil and ink. Beautiful work. Thanks so much for visiting me my friend. I so appreciate it cause it's been a while since I blogged at all.
V

Introverted Art said...

beautiful...

Unknown said...

I have lots of photos of old olive trees which I took in Majorca. You have captured the textured bark beautifully.
Do you remember "my" tree which you did a painting of some time ago? Unfortunately it has lost a big branch over the winter, and is looking very sad!
(sent by Anne at frayedattheedge)

Cathy Holtom said...

Thanks for the comments!
I remember Anne's tree, how sad he lost a branch.
I had to go back a few years but I found it.
http://cathyholtomdustylane.blogspot.it/2010/06/scottish-tree.html

Anonymous said...

You know, my father in law makes has few trees of olives, and makes an excellent extravirgin olive oil.
I live in a land where there are olive trees of more than 600 years old.
Olive tree is really something that I feel into deep, and sicne today I didn't try to make any sketch or drawing about them.
Or at least I'm very afraid.

thanks for sharing you were touching some good strings!