Tree Marks No. 1 | gouache and graphite on paper | 30 x 22 | Private collection

Tree Marks No. 1 | gouache and graphite on paper | 30 x 22 | Private collection

Tree Marks No. 2 | gouache, graphite and charcoal on paper | 30 x 22 | Private collection

Tree Marks No. 2 | gouache, graphite and charcoal on paper | 30 x 22 | Private collection

Tree Marks No. 3 | gouache, graphite and charcoal on paper | 30 x 22 | Private collection

Tree Marks No. 3 | gouache, graphite and charcoal on paper | 30 x 22 | Private collection

Tree Marks No. 4 | gouache, graphite and charcoal on paper | 30 x 22

Tree Marks No. 4 | gouache, graphite and charcoal on paper | 30 x 22

Broken Bark No. 2 | charcoal, graphite, gouache and walnut ink on paper | 22 x 15 | Private collection

Broken Bark No. 2 | charcoal, graphite, gouache and walnut ink on paper | 22 x 15 | Private collection

Broken Bark No. 1 | charcoal, graphite, gouache and walnut ink on paper | 22 x 15

Broken Bark No. 1 | charcoal, graphite, gouache and walnut ink on paper | 22 x 15

Birch Bark No. 17 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 17 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 16 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 16 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 13 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 13 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 10 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 10 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 12 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 12 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 14 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 14 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 31 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Available

Birch Bark No. 31 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Available

Birch Bark No. 30 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

Birch Bark No. 30 | gouache and Lake Superior water on paper | 24 x 18 | Private collection

After creating Betula, I continued to study the textures of tree bark. Through its rough and peel, each layer would subtly reveal the tree’s story.

During my 2019 residency at the Grand Marais Art Colony, I returned to the trees, examining the birches along Grand Portage and Devil’s Kettle Falls. These moments inspired my series of abstract gouache paintings, revealing the subtle blush and deepening reds beneath these curls of bark. I would observe, abstract and paint these shapes, allowing a more playful palette to come through.