The Wise Old Oak 1

Oil and gold leaf on board 29cms x 37.5cms

This tree is special to many local people. I have tried to capture the feeling of its enormity, the subtle colours and textures in its bark, the tingly feeling that the tree gives me when I stand next to it (or in it, as it’s hollow) the sensation that it’s somehow communicating is represented with a subtle white layer of pattern that reaches out from the branches.

It is humbling and precious to be allowed to revere this ancient warden of East Anglia and it has felt especially grounding to visit it in winter during the Covid pandemic. It has lived through many periods of human turmoil and persists with its cycle of seasons, helping us feel the transience of our situation. I am only too aware that whilst it might feel like a permanent guardian of the area it’s future and fortune depends on us; often fickle and irreverent humans. That it stands on private land is a blessing and a curse. It has not been "managed" so the three of its massive branches it dropped were left to rot down to feed it. However, there are nails hammered into the trunk, graffiti scratched into the bark, metal and other rubbish high up in its canopy. Some fool actually started a fire in its hollow trunk! More than once! Amazingly the tree survived, but it bears scorch marks to tell the tale, visible in this painting.

Whatever is in store for this old soul, these paintings are my offering of gratitude to the tree and a record of the solace it has brought me during the bleak winter of the Covid pandemic.

Please note that colours are as accurate as possible but vary in appearance from screen to screen.

These paintings come carefully wrapped and unframed. They will be sent by Royal Mail First Class Tracked and Signed for. You will be sent the painting’s tracking number so you can anticipate its arrival. This piece is on board and would look best professionally framed. Please get in touch if you would like any framing advice.

Please allow 7-10 working days for delivery in the UK and longer for delivery abroad.

To watch a video of this painting being created click here.