Tanglewood

(C) 2015 Dale DiMauro

This is a watercolor I started this week. It is a bit different. I have always loved to draw plants, but not necessarily all the splashy flowers. I don't mean to suggest that I do not appreciate the aroma and beauty of a magnolia blossom or a rose in high bloom, but I am drawn to plants that have a pleasing habit; that is, they have patterns of growth or twisting which is very structural. These plants exhibit a spatial quality or feel that is recognizable in relation to their neighboring plants. 

In my youth, I remember riding my bike along the Bronx River Parkway, where there was a bike path, and observing how greenbrier, a vining plant, would grow in a circulating habit from and between the mature hardwood trees. It had a simple presence, which was very recognizable and specific to the region. It had a strong character of growth, which I documented in pencil in one of my sketchbooks. 

The above painting reminds me to some degree of that youthful experience except the scene is much busier. I like the cool greens of the leaves and various canopies against the milky grays of the trunks during this recent heavy humidity period.

I like the wildness of the scene and am trying to balance some loose washes in contrast to tighter painting around some of the leaves. I will let you know what becomes of it. It has a sense of freedom, which I am hoping hard not lose.

I was forced to take this picture after it became dark and could not seem to prevent shadows from showing. I am still adjusting to our vanishing daylight, as I am in the habit of taking my photographs late in the day when the sun is not direct.