Trees

I absolutely love trees! I love painting them, hugging them, relaxing in their shade, and just breathing in the fresh air they provide. Living on the edge of the Gila National Forest, I spend a lot of time in the wilderness, where I come across many different kinds of trees—Pines, Junipers, Sycamores, Oaks and so many more!

Many of my tree paintings are inspired by the photos I take on my hikes and camping trips in the Gila, while others come straight from my imagination. I try to capture the feeling of being surrounded by trees, that sense of awe and mystery. I’ve been told my trees look spooky or eerie, which makes sense! That’s exactly how I feel when I step into a burn scar in the forest or see bare, leafless trees in winter. And have you ever seen an old, gnarled alligator juniper? They have such a twisted, almost ghostly presence. I like to call them grandfather trees. Some of the trees I’ve painted have been standing for over a thousand years!