Winter Birches
“It was one of those winter days that suddenly dream of spring.” – Shirley Jackson
You know those days—when the sun comes out and the wind drops, when you can see a bit of color in a shadow, and hints of grass show through melting snow. When geese are flying overhead in magnificent noisy flocks. We were lucky to have a few days like that recently. Not warm enough for a real thaw, but welcome just the same.
Tips and Techniques– Use the negative shapes between trunks and branches when drawing trees. Those spaces will help to guide you as much as drawing the limbs themselves.
If you are looking for some painting inspiration, join me online for Sketching Through the Winter, starting Thursday, January 29 at Winslow Art Center. We’ll paint birches, birds, and other fun things to keep you focused until March.
Drawn In 
Beautiful bare birch! Sweet (Spring) dreams, Jean!
I’ll need many more dreams than this one!
🌼
The hint of lavender in the sky says “very cold” to me, and the suggestions of green, gold and even pink in the bark say “it’s warm in the sunshine”. Lovely (and so accurate!) capture.
Thanks! I’m pleased that this one turned out well.
Really lovely, Jean, you inspire me to try some sycamore trunks. I love the almost stained glass quality of all the negative space.
Sycamores are lovely to do with the various whites and subtle shades in the bark. Here’s one I did a couple of years ago: https://jeanmackayart.com/2022/11/26/magnificent-trees/
So very beautifully done! Could look at it forever….
Thanks– that’s very sweet.
Just beautiful! I love looking up; hopeful and enchanting. Thank you for the cheer on this dark rainy day.
Sorry you’ve had rain! We had sun for part of the day– just not the part I managed to get outside for. But I’m grateful to have gotten out into the woods.
Wow. Lovely painting. Simple, but captures the subject do well
Thanks! I really wanted to keep the paint layers fresh. I strayed a few times, but mostly managed it.
It worked! Very fresh
Beautiful trees Jean!! Will this be your only course for Winslowart center this year?
Hi Ilse! This won’t be my only online class. I plan to offer things throughout the year. The summer will be lighter due to travels, but you’ll have other options.
Brilliant! The colors are spot on 🙂
It’s always interesting so discover so many subtle shades in the bark of trees.
It’s beautiful!!! Will this be your only online course for winslowart center this year?
Back from my first trip alone in at least 15 years, I now have some time to see what you’ve posted. What a great quote that is – it pinpoints something we’ve all noticed. I remember your tip about using negative spaces when you’re drawing from my drawing days – that’s a really good one.
Love the upward stretch of this sketch!
Good for you, and maybe a bit brave, too. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Thanks for checking in! — Jean
The trip certainly had its ups and downs but that being said, it was a good learning experience and learning something, especially about yourself, is the best reason to travel. You must know that it’s always my pleasure to check in with you!
Thank you! Same– I appreciate being connected with you.