Category Archives: Seeing the Forest for the Trees

An Early Morning Walk on the Beach

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  • Fallen Trees at Big Talbot Island, FL
  • Small Trees at Big Talbot Island, FL
  • Erosion at Big Talbot Island, FL

In November of 2018 we traveled to Florida with my mom for a family visit. My older sister lives in Fernandina Beach in the northeast corner of the state. One evening, my brother-in-law showed me pictures of this place that he knew I would love, but said we probably couldn’t go because my mother couldn’t make the walk. But I quickly realized that I was the earliest riser in the group and there was no reason I could not just get up early and go by myself.

The place was magical and the day was perfect. It was warm and not a cloud in the sky. Walking up and down the coast on this barrier island, it felt like being inside of a surrealist painting. I snapped dozens of pictures with my phone.

Interestingly, there were very few birds around. But as I sadly prepared to leave, I heard a cardinal call. Some people say cardinals can be spirits of our departed loved ones. I turned to see the bright red bird perched behind me and said “good morning, Dad”.

Trees from Buffalo Road

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I took these photographs in two areas that aren’t very far apart near the top of Buffalo Road in Caroline, NY. I’m impressed by the adaptations the trees have made in response to where they are growing. The majestic maple has been growing on the edge of the woods in a clear area for a long time. The trees behind it are young. This tree has been alone in the sun for much of its life.
Not far up the hill from this spot is a group of trees that are growing close together. It looks like they have been competing (or sharing) the sun for their entire lives.

  • Maple Edge Tree: Growing in the Sun
  • Thicket

Another river painting, but minus the river

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  • Listen to the River

I completed this piece several years ago, but it’s an obvious addition to our”tree” show. It depicts a view along the Miramichi River (New Brunswick, Canada) where I have fished for salmon for nearly fifteen summers. Our crew of four is fly casting mornings and evenings, but we take a midday break when there’s time for a leisurely stroll on a wooded path not far from the river. The route gives an occasional glimpse of the rapids and pools, but mostly one just hears the river sounds as they travel through the vegetation. This work is one of my favorites, which is surprising since it only took a few days to complete. The process of creating it was almost like the action of a person possessed and obsessed. I can still hear the river when I look at the painting.

Drifting Wood

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  • Amarylis on Driftwood
  • Driftwood and Copper
  • Willow and Burls

These three images were produced for the May on line show that focused on anything trees or products made from trees.  Two are still life photos taken inside and the other was taken in my yard where the willows grow rapidly and are a source of food and shelter for birds and squirrels.

The Amaryllis is in bloom and looked comfortable arranged with the piece of driftwood.  This was photographed against a white background foam core trifold.

The larger driftwood is very detailed and interesting. There is a copper piece of sculpture behind it and an unusual stone in front of it. This was taken in front of a black foam trifold.

All pieces can be printed for sale on almost any size canvas.

Bent but Not Broken

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  • Bent but Not Broken

A drive along local roads on a very snowy day found me stopping by this stand of trees. The weight of the snow had bent most of the branches almost to the ground but had not broken any at this point. The trees and snow laden branches in the foreground slightly obscured the forest behind. The image seemed perfect to include in the May 2021 gallery show: “Seeing the Forest for the Trees”.

Trees have been a subject of my photographic work for as long as I’ve been using a camera. I’ve tended to focus on the fall season for it’s colors and textures and primarily in Acadia National Park. However, this particular winter day created a perfect situation for working outside my comfort zone-literally and figuratively.