David Pettibone: Tree

Change is both the subject and the medium of this series by artist David Pettibone. A single tree becomes a constant against which change is measured. Each work is made on location; some over the course of days, some weeks and some months. The project takes the form of numerous drawings, watercolors and oils which investigate, in detail, a single tree at the Eagle River Nature Center from May 11, 2016 to May 11, 2017, and how the changing of the seasons affects the tree.

These works are composed from observation in all types of weather so that the many changes of the environment — from sunshine to rain to snow — may have an actual effect on Pettibone and on the paintings and how they are painted, as much as on the tree itself.

In addition to several small and medium sized works throughout, Pettibone is producing four large scale paintings of the tree, one for each season.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website