Inspired by photographs I took on a trip to England.  The setting was high above the rolling moors in Blackmoor National Park.  The vista was spectacular, with just enough chill in the air to make you realize you were in England.  Trees, rocks and sheep were scattered about, the land was somehow both comforting and desolate at the same moment.  One tree in particular “struck my fancy.”  It was misshapen from the years of facing prevailing winds.  But the flow of the tree, the life of the tree, was what captured me.  I wanted to paint it immediately, but instead took several photographs to paint later.  What I hope I have brought out in the painting is the quiet resolve of the tree.  And through that patient steadfastness, it has created a wonderful, peaceful space under the tree—a place I enjoyed sitting for a few moments to enjoy the view.