Popular Poplars!

I have noticed that poplar trees (aspen) have been quite a popular subject for  

artists and collectors over the past year.  I'd thought about trying my hand at a 

painting of the deciduous trees with their foliage in different golden hues but hadn't 

found a particular scene that inspired me until I saw this view (photo reference) while 

out for an afternoon drive with my family. The stark white and black of the poplar's 

bark and branches creates a vivid and striking variance in a composition. 

The acrylic painting below, which I just started this past week, is on a 12" x 24" 

canvas. This past autumn I photographed a beautiful stand of poplar trees in their 

brilliant yellow foliage. The photograph that I am using as a reference is actually the 

result of two photos that I have merged using a program on my computer.

Reference Photo

"Bearly Hanging On"

 

 

I photographed this black bear in my father's backyard

a couple of years ago. Three grown dogs, three adult people

and my camera kept the trespasser high among the branches

until I was satisfied that I had taken all the photos I wanted.

As you can see his head is resting on one of his back paws.

He looks comfy and awkward at the same time! He seemed

 tired of our company so we called the dogs back and let

him vacate the premises unscathed. I have had this photo

 touched up at Cranbrook Photo and printed onto canvas.