Sometimes I take a break from doing fully finished watercolors and just do quick sketches of trees. Here are a number from a recent trip to Tower Grove Park in St. Louis. Henry Shaw planted trees in groups there for people to see the same species in groups, from a distance, from all angles. I find myself noticing species more clearly when I'm there, which is exactly what his educational purpose was in his groupings. One of my favorite places is a circle of pine trees sometimes called "the Cathedral". It has a worshipful feel, and I did several sketches sitting from my vantage point in the center of the circle.
I also got closer during this past visit to a pair of Tulip poplars I featured in a block print. It turns out that one has a lightening scar curving down its trunk, which adds a sudden and unexpected beauty. 
Here's the original view I was drawn to for this tree, from further back and with a second tree as a dance partner. 
Nearby are catalpas. I love their intricate, dancing branches.
And I think this last one is an Osage orange. I hadn't been too aware of these trees before visiting Tower Grove, but they have a lovely Dr. Seuss-like playfulness to their trunks. 
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Appropriately, the Memphis Urban Sketchers met the morning after Elizabeth's and my opening. It was fun to get out with a group, with no agenda (show, commission, etc.) and just draw. The first thing that caught my eye was the moon setting over the church in the west. I've really enjoyed watching the moon's progress this month and may have to do some more moon sketches soon. A race was happening while we were there, and they had a brass band playing at the finish -- awesome! I love brass band music, and this group is made up from some really fine musicians around town. I love to sketch musicians, too, so I did a couple of sketches until they stopped playing. I don't draw people that often, and when I do, it's usually bands Elmore and I have gone to see.
Finally, I went to join the rest of the group in an inner courtyard. This tree called me immediately. 
ANF Architects threw us a great party last night. It's always fun to have an opening where more than just your own mailing list are invited. I think Elizabeth's work and mine are beautifully complementary, and it was fun to introduce my friends to her work. I met new people last night from her list and from ANF's regular group of attendees.
Also, unlike some of my shows, I was not responsible for restocking wine and refreshments, so I could talk to people and not worry about logistics, which was a real luxury. A more relaxed opening was also enabled by Marilyn Donnelly, a lovely woman who has adopted my artistic efforts as a worthy cause and helped me out on several recent shows. She and my fabulous mother-in-law manned our sales table all evening, which left me free to greet people and answer general art questions instead of having to manage sales as well. It takes a village to have an art career, and I'm grateful for all of the people in my life who help out, show up, offer great ideas, and occasionally take home a piece of art. Many thanks to all of you. Our local NPR station, WKNO, has a great local interview program every morning and afternoon (as needed) that highlights art happenings around the city. I listen to NPR wherever I travel, and I've never heard another show like it -- some stations will bring in musicians, but no other station I've heard also supports ballet, opera, theater, and (challenging on radio) visual arts. I find out about all kinds of cool stuff listening, and I so appreciate the support I get as an independent artist just trying to get the word out about occasional shows. Elizabeth Alley and I recorded an interview with Kacky Walton that aired yesterday morning. I always enjoy the chance to talk about my work -- I work on alone at home so much of the time that it's not only fun but it focuses me more clearly on what I'm trying to achieve when I have to articulate it for others. I was a little stunned by the strength of my southern accent coming across the radio waves as I listened yesterday morning. I guess I'll never get used to the sound of my voice outside my own head. Elizabeth did a sketch while we were sitting in the studio. She ALWAYS has her sketch book. She posted it on her blog here. And here's my sketch from last year in the same studio room. This is Justin Willingham at the mike, and WKNO has used it on a t-shirt design for their 40th anniversary. It's fun to see my artwork being worn out and about the city. 
Come join us if you can. I got my labels up yesterday and am looking forward to the party. All I have to do now is wrap some unframed prints and gather up calendars to have available.
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online store Martha Kelly is an artist and illustrator who lives and works in Memphis, Tennessee. Get occasional studio email updates. Categories
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