Tree as a symbol of tenacity --

"Tenacity"
5" x 7"
pencil on Fabriano 140 lbs. watercolor paper

In response to Vivien Blackburn's Tree Challenge for July -- here's my work -- a quick sketch from a tree I pass every day on my way to work. It appears to be growing out of the cliffside and its' contorted trunk is so twisted and misshapen, it hurts to look at it. And yet it's so beautiful, nature's own sculpture.

I've been fascinated with the Daphne myth for many years and often think of it when I see trees such as this one.

I hope to take this sketch and work it into a larger piece. My fear is that the state department of transportation will someday chop it down and that would be a sorrowful thing.

Thanks, Vivian, for the challenge -- it made me do this!