Inspiration for an artist often comes from what surrounds them. As for Roz Edwards, her surroundings from her studio are vivid colours from trees and flowers from her garden. Her paintings showcase wildflower fields and colour rich trees primarily and bring the viewer into a happy setting. Trees 10 is an amazing example of this artist’s incredible talent. The love for natural elements such as trees comes through with each brush stroke.
Perspective is an important element in any painting. The perspective at which an artist paints provides the depth and overall viewpoint for the viewer and with Trees 10, we see how perspective has been utilized to draw our eye to the vivid yellows rather than the almost faded elements of the background. It is a unique, but very real way we view the forest. When walking through a wealth of trees, those closest have the most detail, so naturally, Roz Edwards portrayed that element in this piece.
Trees 10 puts the viewer in almost a dream state due to the perspective given and it is almost a haunting image of the background trees. However, this view is fitting as so many trees have been cut away in the interest of progress. The piece speaks to the very real nature of our forests and how, if not protected, they will ultimately cease to exist. Although we can speculate about this incredible painting, let us ask the artist a few questions about it.
What is your feeling about these trees? What are they saying in this painting?
My feelings for these trees (or any trees) is that they are beautiful, they are unique and they enhance our lives. We need trees to breathe, and we should enjoy them where they enhance our world, both in the countryside and in towns. The trees in this painting say, look at me, don’t take me for granted, imagine a world without trees, be mindful and appreciate beauty where you see it.
What draws you to natural elements and the impressionist/abstract way they are portrayed in your paintings?
I am definitely a country person, not a town person. I prefer to be outdoors. I am lucky to live in the countryside. My house (and my studio) is on the side of a hill with far reaching views across fields to distant hills. I have a very large garden which enables me to grow a wide range of plants. All this is inspiration, without having to even leave home! However, I love to go out on walks, holidays and days out, and always take masses of photos.
I use my photos for inspiration. I never copy them exactly, as I would find that fairly boring to do, and not very creative. I may have 5 to 10 completely different photos as inspiration for one painting. I also paint from real life observation too, often mixing ideas from photos as well. I love the shapes and patterns of nature. The way the negative spaces between branches create unique shapes, which have equal value, in my opinion, as the subject matter. The way the light travels between leaves. The colours that vary in areas of light or shade. I love to exaggerate or alter the colours of trees and plants, to give them an alternative view. I like the energy of impressionistic painting. It is never flat, and the many layers of paint dots seem to bounce off each other, creating visual interest, and a depth of colour beyond the sum of their parts. Sometimes I stylise my paintings, focussing on certain elements of my observations. This can produce a semi abstract result, as pattern or light takes precedence. My work changes as it grows. I never know what the final result will be, and I often change things completely during the process, if one aspect of the work seems to be getting my attention, or working particularly well.
If you could pick your ideal place to display Trees 10, where would that be?
The ideal place for any painting is for it to end up in a home where it is loved by its owners. Where it brings a wall to life, and is a real focal point. I always love to get photos from customers showing me where the painting is displayed, and some feedback about how they feel about the painting. Sadly, most customers do not do this, so I just have to imagine the painting is giving someone as much pleasure on their wall, as it did to me creating it!
What is the most important part of this painting that you want viewers to understand?
This painting to me is all about patterns. Looking at nature and seeing shapes. It is very easy to write too much “meaning” into works of art. I do honestly believe that the meaning of a painting is different to everyone who sees it. You could say this painting shows trees in focus, and trees out of focus. You could say those out of focus are a memory of trees that have been cut down for development. You could say the ones out of focus are the ones we never notice in our busy lives. You could see it as nature diminishing and failing due to the selfish and greedy way human beings destroy the world around them. Parts of nature fading away, is appropriate for this painting, but was never my intention or a conscious thought as I created the painting. It does not mean that that meaning is wrong though if that is what you, as an individual read into it.
As noted in your other paintings, Trees 10 seems to be a part of a series of paintings, but what makes this one so different from others you have painted? Is there a unique aspect you are particularly proud of?
This painting is called Trees 10 because most people seeing it would probably say “ there must be at least 9 other paintings, maybe I will have a look at them too! “ . My series of tree paintings is mainly because I love painting trees, and want to explore lots of different results from my individual style of painting. I can change colours, composition, rhythm, focus, scale, negative shapes, pattern, contrast etc with each one. This makes every painting a unique experience to create, and means I will be painting trees forever !
I like Trees 10 for the way the colours work together. It is a fairly limited palette, which has a balance of warm and cold colours. I have painted different pattern areas within the composition, which draws your eyes around it, contrasting different sections. I experimented with putting the background trees in softer focus, which is not something I have done much previously, and like the way it looked. I think this painting has a drama to it, and is detailed enough for observers to see something new in it each time they view it.
View Roz Edwards Gallery
