Sunlit Tree (30 x 40cm)
**Words by Amber L-J**
This kind of weather prompts us to leave our homes and toward any nature within the vicinity. In a city filled with sparse areas of green, I am fortunate to live in the bountiful countryside where Mother Nature hides around every corner. She takes my hand on a wildlife adventure, transporting me back to my youth and endless curiosity.
Each time I visit the canals, there seems to be new colours, new life, found there. It tickles the leafy trees and runs along the lazy river. I choose today as a mission for myself to find the perfect picnic spot, my basket swinging excitedly, giving me momentum.
Travellers in their moored boats will soon join the steady stream downward, towards the local pub and café, for leisure and nourishment. Rather than following the general crowd, I cross a rickety bridge and settle down near the sunlit trees. As I lie on the patchwork rug, the warm air weighs on my eyes and sends me into a dream. I dream that I am outstretched on a cloud, with the rays of sun lighting what appears to be a racetrack; With chalked lines in the grass, there is a chicken scuffing their feet in anticipation. There is a distant but high-pitched whistle, just as a siren calls the sailors to shore. The chickens run excitedly, their plumy wings at their sides and their heads thrust forwards. They cross the finishing line in quick succession, before huddling together excitedly, feathers flying. When I awake once more, my skin is rosy and my open book has cascaded onto the floor.
I collect memories of this place to keep me warm in winter.
**Article continued on Page Two**
‘Sunlit Tree’ is a cold wax and oil painting, measuring at 30 x 40cm. It was painted in October 2019, as part of capturing the wonderful and whimsical canals surrounding Lisa Timmerman’s home. When reflecting on this painting, Lisa said:
“Against that tree, glowing pink in the sunlight, looks like a perfect picnic spot to me.”
As Lisa’s studio is situated by Foxton Locks in Leicestershire, it has become a frequent source of inspiration for waterscape paintings. As the seasons change and vibrant colours are reflected in the water, Lisa found a technique in 2019 that would truly capture this beauty and “really do it justice”. By mixing cold wax and oil paint, Lisa was able to explore this subject matter fully:
“Once I had discovered the technique of mixing cold wax medium into my oil paint, I started to paint the canals daily. The process meant using a silicone bowl scraper to paint with, rather than a brush, and enabled me to avoid the detail and focus on the larger composition of dark and light. The depth of shadows, with the beauty of the reflections shimmering on the surface tension, still fascinate me daily.”
Sunlit Tree: Interior Design Ideas
The original painting, Sunlit Tree, is available on Lisa’s Timmerman’s website.
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