I particularly love trees. I grew up in northern California surrounded by old oak and eucalyptus trees and the redwood forest. My earliest memory of trees was standing among ancient redwoods, astonished at how far they traveled up into the sky. I also remember touching a huge redwood’s trunk thinking how soft and cool it felt. Trees were and still are a wondrous form of life.

Redwoods, 16×20, acrylic on canvas, ©2009, Ann Hart Marquis, SOLD

Since humans began sharing stories, trees have been recognized as a symbol of ever-lasting life and creativity and to some, spirituality. In primitive times, trees were used in all aspects of life. They were symbols of power and human’s desire to be one with nature. They provided food, shelter, and heat from fire. It is no surprise that the tree is seen as one of the earliest symbols of the sacred.

When I think of trees, I think of grace, color, timelessness, history. There are a few trees that are more than two thousand years old. Some common types live five hundred years or more. It is not surprising that early people thought of them as immortal, demanding respect and reverence.

Today, it may be that the most significant meaning of trees is that they sustain life on the planet. Their existence is crucial to ours. Their beauty is a magnificent gift.

Any tree nuts out there?

Sunset, 12×12, acrtlic on canvas, ©2011, Ann Hart Marquis, SOLD