peter town

Reach for the sky

#solesurvivors – exploring isolation 02

The stark form of this old tree is striking in its defiant posture, even in death it appears to be reaching for the sky in an act of defiance.

This old tree displays almost human gesture [Cat: 025 SOLE SURVIVORS 093]

A crumbling mountain

#solesurvivors – exploring isolation 01

The form, textures and colour of this magnificent old oak are breath-taking, you will find it in the gardens at Chatsworth, Derbyshire.

This old oak could be 1,000 years old [Cat: 17 SOLE SURVIVORS 093]

Trees

#solesurvivors – exploring isolation

A single tree silhouetted on the skyline is a trope of loneliness, but that does not diminish the power of such an image as a single tree is the sole survivor of a onetime forest. Trees do not grow in isolation; they are social beings that benefit from being in numbers, and we mammals have a close association and long-standing interdependence with them, as it was their early presence on the planet that exchanged the carbon-filled atmosphere for life-giving oxygen.

It is this close relationship that I like to explore in my studies of trees, bark, leaves and forests.

Olive Tree South: An old olive tree growing near the coast, its boughs swept into an elaborate ‘hair style’ by the prevailing winds – July 2004 – 40 x 30 cm / 16″ x 12″ [Cat:730]

Trees is part of a series of works inspired by nature. While they provide life-long sources of interest, these subjects ultimately form the basis of my abstract paintings which are both hard-edged and yet fluid in appearance. Trees focuses on the endless variety in our woodlands and forests, constantly changing in form and appearance throughout the year.

Open Hearted Tree: A tree, its trunk completely hollowed out and yet continuing to support a healthy crown of leaves – June 2016 – 40 x 30 cm / 16″ x 12″ [Cat:733]