One of my favorite things about the winter is finding color interrupting the white landscape. Beech leaves cling to their branches, like golden pieces of confetti not ready to fall to the ground. Some are curled up almost like they are protecting themselves against the cold. Others are spread wide and inviting the wind to catch them so they can dance and flutter. Some have had a rough winter, losing pieces of themselves, all of them are survivors. I especially love to paint the ones with “imperfections”, they are all so beautiful, but the ones who have been bruised and ripped are by far my favorite.
This 12″x24″ Piece I started like I always do, with pen work. I keep the lines light trying to keep the outlines of the leaves delicate. Then I start adding in the watercolor and give the leaves their shape and personality. I mounted this piece to a wood panel, and my husband made a wonderful maple frame to go around it.
