Observation of Nature
Light and Shadow,
Opus Two, Joshua Tree N.P. 2004,
oil on canvas Mounted on board, (6"x8")
by Stefan Baumann
The
creation of art is based on the experiences of the past,
combined with contemporary lessons of the present. Painting
on location will help evolve your skill level, and nurture
an alternative perspective to visualizing a landscape.
In Light and Shadow- Opus Two, I was transfixed by the
paradox of the tree itself. Most all of the tree's limbs
blossomed with new life, while others turned brown in
the desert sun. This cycle of life presented cream-colored
flowers emerging from many of the limb tips, while other
branches were dead and withered. This aesthetic paradox
of life and death is seen throughout nature. When acknowledged
in your work, this objective vision will breath life into
every painting you create. In this particular study, I've
also captured an array of dead sage twigs in the foreground
to convey this lesson of beauty and blight in nature.
When painting trees, one should capture the characteristics
of the species; every tree has a unique visual dynamic.
The trunk of the Joshua tree is no different. Pay close
attention to the negative space between the branches to
correctly capture them in your piece. Careful observation
also reveals that the Joshua Tree, whose branches do not
taper like other trees, has a trunk made up of dried,
sword like leaves that are distributed like shingles on
a house.
These visual characteristics are completely unique to
this genus, and must be captured accurately. As we follow
the branches, the foliage bursts forth at the tips, the
dried brown leaves becoming a vibrant green. While I was
painting this landscape, the shadow of the tree fell upon
the rock, but it's placement did not compliment my composition.
As a result, I took the liberty of moving the shadow,
bringing it closer to the tree itself. This helped to
intensify the strong light effect, and compliment the
warm afternoon sun. I darkened the background sky to bring
out the contrast. This gives the boulder a radiant glow,
and frames the central focal point of my composition.
