Monday, October 6, 2014

The Leaf and the Tree

Welcome to my Poetry and Painting Blog!

The following poem was selected by Susan Meals, a long-time friend and shared admirer of Edna St Vincent Millay. She suggested posting the first part of the following poem.

The Leaf and The Tree 

When will you learn, myself, to be
a dying leaf on a living tree?
Budding, swelling, growing strong,
Wearing green, but not for long,
Drawing sustenance from air,
That other leaves, and you not there,
May bud, and at the autumn's call
Wearing russet, ready to fall? 
..............
To go with this poem, my friend also sent a photo of the large tree in front of her Los Angeles home. She literally has fought city hall to save it from being cut down! Unfortunately, the photos she sent just didn't seem to capture the elegance of that wonderful tree. 
Meanwhile, there is a large olive tree in her backyard just outside her breakfast window. She has debated about removing it, because it takes up so much space. But I have always admired that old olive tree: its gestural growth pattern and the habitat it provides. Thus, the below painting is an inspiration of that particular tree and a nod to all things old an beautiful.


Other notes:


This past month of September I participated in a 30-day challenge of a painting a day.  I didn't quite make it to 30 paintings...but 25. That was quite a feat, as I did some travel during that time and had to double up my efforts. My poor husband turned into a painter's widower...bless him! 

Below is a collage of the works produced:



Also, this coming November through January I will be having a solo show at my neighborhood's POA building. If you would like more information, please contact me. 



You may see more of my art at:


I welcome you to sign up, below, for this occasional blog and share it with your friends who might be interested. AND I invite you to (continue) to send  favorite photos you have taken and writings (inspiring, thought provoking, or humorous) 
 to me at kmeredithart@gmail.com.