Portugal’s Alentejo region is known for its olive groves, olive oil, and ancient trees. During my recent workshop at Sofia in Monsaraz, our group passed century-old olive trees lining a farm road on our daily walk between the hotel and the retreat site. I loved imagining their many years in the sun: sheltering sheep, bearing fruit, and growing more gnarled year by year, until each one developed its own distinct personality.

I could draw olive trees for days and never tire of them. But time was short, so I only had the chance to sketch a few. No wonder they are considered symbols of prosperity and wisdom.

Tips and Techniques- It typically takes me at about and hour to sketch a tree, which I prefer to do from life. However, because it was very hot with limited shade, I had to work more quickly and finish using photos. I tested a variety of techniques here, mainly wanting to emphasize the beauty and character of the twisted trunks. I like the two sepia sketches best, with just a touch of raw sienna. The date stamps are based on Portuguese tile designs.