Monday, December 14, 2009

ChristmasTree

...Southern Hemisphere style... this is the yellowwood (our national tree) which my husband planted about ten years ago in our garden, full and lush from all the rain we've had, and looking like it just wants some fairy lights and an angel on the top to fit in perfectly with the season. I painted this on Sunday with watercolours and a bit of gouache, when the sun was baking down and the last thing you want to think about is roast turkey and rich pudding - which we will, nevertheless, come sun or high temperatures, gamely manage to wolf down in in a week or two's time. But Christmastime here is of course very different from the festive, snowy and cosy scenes I'm seeing on overseas blogs lately - if I can find time to paint them and you have time to look, I'll bring you some glimpses of Christmas a la Joburg in the next few posts.

15 comments:

Charlene Brown said...

What a spectacular Christmas tree -- and gouache is the perfect medium to highlight those beautiful needles! We live in a condo where real trees are not allowed, with good cause -- cut trees arrive with about 10% of your tree's 'lushness' and quickly lose it all. Looking forward to more Christmas a la Joburg -- hope you can find the time.

dominique eichi said...

such a lovely tree ......... yes the on thing missing is a star on top. Blessings

Kris Wiltse said...

What a rich mixture of greens, transparent washes and leafy textures. Lovely!

Pat said...

I can't wait to experience Christmas through your eyes and your art work.
Hugs
pat

Suzanne McDermott said...

Lush is right! I love the strokes and the paper peeking through. You've made me hungry with the mention of roast turkey and pudding. Yum! (Of course, the sun is not blazing here!)

Anonymous said...

Cathy what a lovely Chrismas tree. I'ts so exciting to beable to know someone who lives in such a wonderful place it seems. Can't wait to see everything that you will be painting for us. How exciting.
In the mean time friend, have a blessed Holiday and a Happy New Year.
Deepest regaurds,
Linda

Cathy said...

Oh wow!! This tree is so gorgeous, so majestic!!
I'm looking forward to seeing your xmassy Joburg sketches!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Your tree is very lush and perfect for a few lights to add to its beauty.

On this side of the hemisphere cold and snow become a tradition for Christmas, but I would love to experience the flip side with heat, if only virtually through your sketches and words.

Carol King said...

Love your tree. I can't imagine Christmas being warm and sunny...but I would sure like to give it a try!

laura said...

Just beautiful, Cathy--so majestic. You handle your greens so well; and I love the little crackles of white you've left unpainted: so hard to do!

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Gorgeous greens and amazing how you made a single tree look so, so interesting. Enjoy your weather because here it is now freezing in the heart of winter.

Art with Liz said...

Aaah the magnificent yellowwood! Never thought about it as a Christmas tree, but this one in your garden is going to be fantastic!

Robyn Sinclair said...

Beautiful tree, Cathy - I love those clever touches of violet in the shadows really making the citrus colours zing.

I too am used to a hot heavy Christmas dinner in the Southern Hemisphere - we must be crazy. Somehow the cold Christmas in Tuscany doesn't seem normal.

RH Carpenter said...

No sun or warmth here so I'm happy to have a virtual visit to Joberg and SA style Christmas :) This is a beautiful painting!

Gillian said...

I didn't know you had a yellowwood tree in your garden, Mrs. Arden?!
Lovely C. - I'll have to pop over and see it for myself sometime...