While putzing around in my art space I scribbled a sketch from memory of a leaf related observation. When you look upward through the foliage of a tree in the warm months the sunlight sparkles down between layers of leaves. Nature has it’s own patterns of growth that spread out splendidly. As much as I can remember to I take moments to bask in the supreme innate wisdom of trees just doin their thing!

Usually I’m trying to get deeper into the concept, or making minute details with tiny brushes. When I saw my sketch unfold I thought, might as well just enjoy some leaves. But let’s make them bright on a magenta base. Oh, let’s add harmonious layers (let’s because I become multiple me’s when my art is moving, I’m having a conversation with the different me’s and watching and directing my hand). Let’s add contrast, layers, outlines, mica gold, the blackest black ever made, paint on sparkles with white. Question and consider and make some compromises with promise to do it differently next time if it doesn’t work..

But with all this work, it’s still a simple celebration of one small branch. Trees are cool like that, you can love the whole tree or just a leaf!