Monticello Tree

2011. While walking the grounds of Monticello, Jefferson's plantation not far from Charlottesville, Va., my daughter and I couldn't help but take massive amounts of photos of the luminous landscape.  Fall was in full swing, with vibrant reds, golds, oranges and yellows and our eyes couldn't get enough of it!

This tree, with its fat trunk and sweeping branches, beckoned to be painted first out of all of my photos.  I remember the carpet of fallen leaves at its feet, the warmth of the sun on a chilly day and the wonder of the quiet moment communing with Nature.

Monticello, to me, is a magical place.

This painting is large enough to stand on its own on a wall. It would look great in a space where you could look at it from across the room, like a livingroom, long entry, landing, dividing wall, study.