The Fallen Willow

This was not what I was going to paint today. As I've been driving back and forth in the valley over the past few days my eye has been continually caught by the golden autumn willows, and their reflections in the still quiet waters of our placid river. Well, placid for now. It will be a raging torrent again before this month is out.

I had my spot chosen. I parked up, got out, paced up and down looking for the best position for my easel. Sorted. Then as I turned back to the truck to get my gear I saw this willow.

Broken, golden in this dying season, sprawled among the rocks, yet somehow indomitable. I know that in spring it will be back. It just doesn't know how to quit.

Long live the willow. The glory of our turbulent river valley. Broken. Battered. Torn by fierce waters, hammered by frosts, lashed by fierce winter winds, in spring they are the first to bud burst, in summer they bless our river banks with their cool green shade.

And in tranquil autumn there is the promise of their return.

My subject for today: "The Fallen Willow"



15103 "The Fallen Willow". Oil on panel. 8x10 in. $150

Any plein air painting from this blog may be purchased by emailing me at

rosswhitlock@inspire.net.nz


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