American beech (Fagus grandifolia) has a relatively shallow root system and often has quite a bit of exposed roots especially on the down slope sides of the tree. I ran into this gnarly fellow the other day while surveying some property lines at work – with no time to sketch I snapped a smart phone picture for later. The sketch is done with a Sharpie Pen and then washed with a little watercolor. The only green on the hillside came from Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) so I threw one in.
12 comments:
I enjoy your nature drawings allot! The roots of this tree are so beautiful!
Welcome to EDM Nate. I love your roots! now I have to scroll through your entire blog!
Your sketches are phenomenal!! Love your trees and roots and birds, etc., etc. Makes me want to wander into the woods again and say tzs tzs - gather those warblers 'round.
Awesome sketch! I really like the previous Junco drawing too =) The bird is just so pretty and elegant(details are mind blowing!)
Beech is my all time favourite tree - here in England we usually see fagus sylvatica - they are very like your lovely drawing (loved the little touch of green too.)
Wonderful sketch. I love tree roots and their twisted beauty. Except of course when one trips me up on my hikes in the woods. :)
your artwork and the way you think is amazing. very inspiring.
You've captured what is so wonderful about this tree! It must have felt good to draw it.
Thank you for all the nice comments.
Jane - I am very familiar with F. sylvatica we have quite a bit here at the Arboretum - another beautiful tree
Cheryl - when that happens I usually say "Son of a Beech"!!
Very cool root..... I look forward to seeing lots of your work.
Great drawing of these roots. I love beech trees. I especially like to see the smaller ones during winter sitting in the understory with their worn out leaves still clinging. In certain light they look like the ghosts of summer past.
I found your blog through Sketching in Nature. I am thrilled to find a naturalist/artist that is in the midwest. I know I will learn a lot from your sketches.
Thanks Elva and Lisa.
Lisa, I have heard that they hold their leaves late into the season because they are still evolving away from some of their evergreen family members.
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