Shining Tree

Mixed Media on wood, 25″ x 31″
This painting, (along with The High Country), was originally conceived and executed for the California Shines Capitol Christmas Tree art contest in 2011. The Christmas tree for the White House came from Stanislaus National Forest that year and part of the festivities included artwork representing that tree. For this piece, I decided to go full-tilt-boogie with glitter, metallic acrylic paint, faceted acrylic gems, and glass cabochons. Although it did not win, I was grateful for the opportunity as the work would not have been painted otherwise. I set out to specifically focus on a single large pine. Simple and straightforward in subject matter, this art work finds expression through medium, pattern, and execution. It succeeds in being both exuberant and festive.