I am not going to explain, I do what I do.
Not wanting to encourage the child within and gather leaves to create a large image to be observed from a tree branch, i ran off to sit in the trees.
Observing the detritus formed by the rotting tree bark and leaf, i realised the richness of the colour was too good to ignore and applied it to my sketch pad. Not only was it beautiful to apply, but the aroma of the woods in autumn were now sinking into my page. I had with me only limited drawing utensils , and drew the shapes of fungi, cracks in the lumber where the limbs of the tree had come away from the body.
I noticed the variety in colour of the fallen willow leaves and wanted to somehow create a weave or a collage as the tree becomes chlorotic and ceases to synthesize. My intention was to create a delicate array of changing colour. I adapted my keyring and cut into the sketch book page and attempted to weave. This was cut short by a mass of gnats.
Using mud from the ground, which was very moist, along side charcoal to capture the form of the leaf, I noticed the texture and application to be more determined. The mud created a completely different effect. It was easily controllable, defined mark making, did not bleed or smudge. I may use this again.
Charcoal branch- The rest of the tree was only starting to shed its leaves, this branch was physically ‘branching out’ like it was trying to reach the tree beside it for warmth or protection. Maybe this branch symbolises the the fingers of sleep by the Queen of Winter, the Cailleach. I hope she is not too harsh this year.
