Monday, June 6, 2011

A Gentle Twist


This morning on my walk in Parco di Monza I noticed the tree trunks along the path. I noticed how some trees grow straight and tall while others have a gentle twist. Why is that, I wonder? 

If you know the scientific answer, don't tell me. That was a rhetorical question. I would rather envision these stately trees reaching and stretching for the sun with gentle yoga-like twist to keep them energized.

Seeing the twist in the trees comes from the one and only sketch I did last week on our visit to Scotland. Much of the time it was windy and it rained off and on, so I wasn't standing or sitting in any one place long enough to sketch anything outdoors until our last day in Edinburgh. We went to the botanical garden on a gorgeously sunny day where I found this interesting tree trunk. I sat and sketched the form of it - the details of texture and leaves are beyond me at this point, I'm afraid.


The best part of this drawing is not how it looks; the best part is what it helped me see today. This morning, as I was walking and noticing the twists of the tree trunks, I was very grateful to all that art has brought into my life. It doesn't matter the art form, all of it helps me to see the world around me in different ways and capture it in my own way. Whether it's photography or drawing or painting or words, that's what I'm doing, isn't it? Seeing, interpreting, and then sharing it here.

(Linking in to Creative Every Day and The Creative Exchange today. Happy Monday!)

20 comments:

  1. So true Kat, so true. The gift of seeing better is wonderful and one which seems to continue to enlarge as we keep looking.

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  2. Also meant to say how much I like your trees photo.

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  3. Your sketch is wonderful and captures the feel of the twisting trees so beautifully. You composed the photograph so well. Both are a special treat for my eyes the first thing this Monday morning. I hope you enjoy a week as lovely as your picture and your sketch.

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  4. beautiful, the words as well as the sketch,, I know exactly what you mean.I love that you say,"don't tell me", I'm your newest follower,, HPPF!

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  5. Me too, I love how making art helps me see!

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  6. You know of course that they untwist when you are not looking....;-)

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  7. your words are so true kat. love that you are keeping on with the drawing!

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  8. I'm with you on the rhetorical questions and lack of desire for scientific explanations. Didn't you say you were an engineer? Gives me new appreciation for engineers.
    Love your curvy trees and curvy leading lines.

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  9. What beautiful trees!! I can't explain the curves and twists..but I do love how you've discovered and rendered them beautiful!!!

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  10. Trees are such beautiful things. Can you imagine living without them? There is an island off Scotland (can't remember which one) which is completely treeless. I just couldn't live there!

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  11. I love the way you look at the world - inspiring!

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  12. Wonderful sketch. Those trees are wonderful--the whole woods is delicious. I'd love to wander around in there. :)

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  13. Beautiful green shot and lovely sketch!

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  14. Oh good girl - taking and USING your sketchbook. I'm going to try and do the same while on our trip. Love both images, Miss Kat.

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  15. I'm so tempted to tell you why, but I will resist and honor your wishes. ;)

    Lovely photos and your sketch captures the twists that the photo did not.

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  16. And you can sketch too????
    It is a wonderful sketch Kat! I hope you are going to frame it. I am especially in awe since I cannot even draw a stick figure :-(

    Thank you so much for sharing this today at The Creative Exchange.

    Have a great evening!

    lisa.

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  17. The trees in the photo are lovely with ivy and moss on growing on their trunks. My husband and I were just having that conversation about how the subject that you involve yourself in, changes, or enhances your perspective of things. He's very musical - everything becomes a song or musical composition, while I see things as through the lens of a camera.

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  18. Oh, how I love trees and their trunks! Strong and silent like soldiers. You are inspiring me with your sketching, although I have to say I am still totally intimidated by it. We'll see.... never say never!!

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  19. trees are my favorite, so stately and wise. I like your comparison of them twisting to meet the sun and be energized like that of yoga. your drawing is lovely. seeing the world differently through art is such a blessing. ~Kristen from CED

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  20. Kat, I enjoy that you are capturing the world with both your camera and sketchbook! I feel working in different mediums always enhances our observation and appreciation of the elements around us, as each medium forces us to focus on different aspects or ingredients.

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What's your view of the world? I love to hear yours too!

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