I love trees and artful expression of trees. If I’ve had no recent revelations to blog about, I can always express myself through the art of trees. I was recently travelling with these arty folks again. We all love photography, painting and looking at art. Per chance, we rented a house on East Sound, right next door to Leo Lambiel’s home and art museum.
We arrived in time to experience our first sunset on the pines and madronas on our bluff. Even though my Mom’s family is from and still lives in Washington, I don’t recall noticing madronas on earlier visits. I wasn’t familiar with their curvy branches and stunningly red bark. They always look like the sun is setting on them. Here on Orcas Island, we were constantly reminded of their presence in natural settings as well as in the community’s artwork.
Photograph of photographer under madrona by Laura Krowchuk
Too chicken to hike the bluff on day 1, my view from the top.
The next day, we walked next door for a tour at Mr. Lambiel’s home and museum. His art collection starts at the fence leading up to his front gate where this metal works madrona was created by artist Todd Spalti.
Metal scape by Todd Spalti
Within Lambiel’s Museum, there were numerous custom murals and original paintings by artist and musician James Hardman.
Madronas by James Hardman
While exploring a gallery a few days later, I discovered another madrona painted by Carl Buttke.
A lone madrona by Carl Buttke
Now thoroughly inspired, and with a glass of wine, I attempted my own madronas. They are very difficult to paint, especially at sunset because the vivid color made me lose my perspective. Perhaps that’s why so much of the local art is impressionistic – or maybe I just need more practice!
Madronas work in progress
ARTISTIC PENSION 
Wow, the Carl Buttke piece is beautiful!
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I love it too!
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I love trees too. Your madronas are beautiful including your work in progress
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Thank you!
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What incredibly lovely trees… especially captured during the sunset golden hour like you did! I think you did a great job with your painting. Maybe you could sketch the scene during mid-day, then try to capture the rich, lovely colors with your paints at sunset.
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It really was beautiful! That’s a good idea – to sketch during the daylight. I’m less organized about painting when I’m travelling, though, pretty much just try to sit down and paint what I see when I’m in the mood.
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The first 2 photos are beautiful. I want to walk into those settings.
Your madronas wip is great. Personally, I think anything that inspires us is, by definition, great. Whether or not it turns out as we expected is irrelevant. The process of creating is what matters.
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I could have stayed there much longer, it was so lovely and peaceful. Thanks for the comment, I’ll buy into that logic. The process is fun and twice as much so since I was painting with a friend. Our paintings look nothing alike either!
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I think that’s what I like about painting. Each of us are individuals in our perspective and it’s reflected in the things we create even though the inspiration may be the same.
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Tracey, that first photograph is outstanding. I love the way the sun illuminates the branch at the top right corner. The thing about painting, at least from what I am told, is that you don’t have to be in the presence of your subject to be inspired. Your photographs capture the essence of what is beautiful and would inspire any painter. I like the one you’ve started. Before today, I had never even heard of a Madrona. Thank you for this beautiful introduction.
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Thank you so much for the compliments and encouragement. It means a lot coming from a blogger who photographs so beautifully. I wish I could take credit for the first photo, but it was my friend Laura’s. She does have a good eye!
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Enjoying your blogs! Always a peaceful perspective proud to read and long for retirement and time to reflect. You are a inspiration!
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Thank you! It’s been a learning experience,fun and a different way to connect with people.
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I agree – your madronas are beautiful — even in progress. They have a very calming appeal!
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Thank you so much!
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