1131 No Worries

 I came upon this scene in a kayak on a beautiful summer day at Upper Red Lake in Wisconsin.  It was so peaceful, and for the moment, everything is right with the world.12 x 8".

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1131-no-worries/978728

1129 Things Are Looking Up

 This is a spur of the moment painting without a lot of thought beforehand.  The tree is located in Peninsula State Park in Door County, one of my favorite places to visit and enjoy nature.  I'm happy with how the painting turned out and thought of naming it "The Height of Optimism" until I googled the phrase--- and discovered it is used cynically for one liner jokes. Nope.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1129-things-are-looking-up/974395

1044 The Cedar of Lebanon

 In 2011, my daughter and I visited Lebanon, our second of three trips there together.  Most memorable and meaningful that trip were visits to the Cedar Forest and the home of Lebanese poet and philosopher, Kahlil Gibran.  The cedar forest was so unbelievably tranquil and beautiful.  This tree that I painted is the original tree that was chosen for the flag of Lebanon, but in its 2011 condition with many branches missing.  It seems significant to me that this tree which represents Lebanon, has lost so many limbs, just as the country has experienced so much turmoil and pain.  Yet, a new generation is there to carry on, just as the young cedars in the forest.

In case you are interested, the current flag of Lebanon with two red horizontal stripes, top and bottom, with a middle center of white with the green cedar was created in 1943 when Lebanon became liberated from France.  The larger white stripe signifies peace and unity, while the red represents all the bloodshed Lebanon has experienced fighting off invaders.  The cedar tree is common in Lebanon and signifies eternity, holiness, peace and longevity.  There are 77 references to the Cedars of Lebanon in the bible.

1032 A Very Old Russian Olive

 

I really love trees, and consider them Mother Nature's sculptural artwork.  This is a very old Russian Olive Tree located in the Milwaukee area.  I painted it once several years again, and longed to paint it again.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1032-a-very-old-russian-olive/877551

748 Lakefront Sculpture

I am fascinated by trees of all sorts.  I consider them Mother Nature's sculptures.  I wish I knew the name of this conifer, but there are several of them at our Lake Michigan lakefront and they are so interesting and beautiful, especially the graceful nature of the branches.  I used white and black ink on this painting and made shades of grey.

The frame shown is optional and available for a very good price.

"748 Lakefront Sculpture"
ink on canvas - 8x10 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/748-lakefront-sculpture/434831

203 Still

I love the tranquility of the marshes we visited in South Carolina.  In our group of 14 artists, there were at least a few self-proclaimed "marsh haters."  The more I paint them, the more I understand and love them. 

201 Open Arms

Although I loved the ocean and the marshes, I was most fascinated by the Southern Live Oak trees while in South Carolina on my painting trip.  I love the twists and turns of the branches, and the tree's invitation to sit and picnic or rest.  The Spanish moss hanging from the branches gives a somewhat eerie feeling.  Although there are no leaves on my tree, this tree has leaves year round, as those that fall off are replenished.  I am sure this will not be the last of my Live Oak tree paintings.