Magnolia X soulangiana – walking study, oil paint, oil-primed linen, 75 X 56 inches

This is a record, synthesis of my process of looking at and experiencing a magnolia tree. Approaching from afar my first impression is of the overall dark and thick lines of the branching pattern and of the profusion of blossoms. Directly under the umbrage of the tree, I look up toward the sky and see the blossoms’ underside, backlit and dark. Looking further down at the blossoms within arms reach, I see individual petals, the vibrant pink and mauve streaking over creamy white. I see blossoms about to open, blossoms overly open and developing different browning, warm colors. Turning, peering at the farther, darker side in the shade, everything is bluish, shadowy, indistinct. Down at my feet, there is a carpet of white petals on grass.