Lost in the Woods

 
Burgeoning ©Kesler Woodward 2010  Acrylic on canvas 48" x 60" 

For many, many years, birch trees have been stand-ins, in my paintings, for people.  One of the reasons I return to painting birches again and again is that I am so impressed by their individuality, the way their skin and posture show their age, the way they are beautiful, proud, broken, wounded, intertwined, coupled, tangled, and isolated. 

I have a big show coming up at Well Street Gallery in Fairbanks, opening October 1. I agreed about six months ago to fill both the large spaces which are normally divided between two artists doing concurrent solo exhibitions. So I've been painting not just my usual 9 to 5 or longer weekday hours, but have been back at it in the evenings after dinner, and working every weekend day and night. The time goes fast in the studio--faster than anywhere else.

I decided almost a year ago that I wanted all the new paintings for this show to be about birch trees and the boreal forest.  That's about as specific as I can be in my desires, as much of what I do, once I get to the studio and start working, seems to be out of my hands, beyond my conscious control.  I start painting birches, work hard, and their individual character, their compositions and the stories they tell come to life almost unbidden.  I've been fascinated to watch them appear. 

Young Ones  ©Kesler Woodward 2010  Acrylic on canvas  48" x 60"

Lost Birch ©Kesler Woodward 2010  Acrylic on canvas  40" x 30" 

Intertwined  ©Kesler Woodward 2010  Acrylic on canvas  48" x 36"

Comments

[val lord]

Hi Kes,

I have a huge crush on the color in these latest paintings you posted.

As I read through your older posts, I realize that this mosaic project will be a major factor in getting me back up to Alaska. Something I didn't know I would want to do anytime soon but I must get up there to see this with my own eyes.

Must get back to reading, I have 5 years of posts to read and learn from.

Best,
Val