It is easy to see the beauty of a tree when cloaked in it’s summer leaves or brandishing its brilliant fall colors, but there is also an elegance to be found when they are bare of their foliage. Here is a mighty oak tree standing at a crossroads in rural Pamlico county, North Carolina. Its limbs and branches twist, turn and curve in a celebratory dance to life and all its wonders. Nature’s dance is slow and steady yet touches each and every living thing. Yes, there is a beauty in the bare branches of a magnificent, mature oak tree.
For this fine art image I felt black and white was the correct presentation. After all, the appeal of this bare bone tree is not that of its vivid green leaves or stunning fall foliage, but of its bent branches, sturdy trunk and textured bark. Rather than strengthening the story of its naked beauty, color would only serve to distract from it. Grayscale imagery may seem stark and simplistic at first glance but there is a delicious depth or detail to be found in them. The contrast of light and shadow adds depth and interest to the artwork. The lack of color forces focus on the shapes, patterns of lines of the subject.
In reflection, I can’t help but wonder how many people pass this handsome ancient oak in the course of a day. People making their daily trek to work, perhaps in nearby New Bern or Oriental, then home again. Country folk that have to travel to purchase the needs and luxuries that make their life pleasant. Do they even notice its beauty? Does this majestic oak ever speak to any of their souls? This old tree has a fascinating story to tell to those that are willing to listen.
Did you enjoy this photograph? How about the article, did you like it? I always enjoy hearing your thoughts. Why not take a moment and share them with a comment?
Elegant Winter Oak Tree Click To TweetView more of my fine art photography at http://bob-decker.pixels.com
Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RDDecker
Find me on Facebook at https://facebook.com/Carolinafootprints
Prefer Instagram? My IG profile is https://www.instagram.com/bobdeckerphotography
4 Comments
Great treatment in black and white! I agree that shows off the shape and texture of the tree!
Bob; Love this tree, and black and white makes for an elegant print. Test your comments. Lou
Greyscale was definitely the right choice for that subject and mood.
Excellent observations, Bob. So often, I believe people miss the beauty of trees and shrubs that have lost their leaves during the winter season. A black and white treatment of this photograph is perfect – it accentuates the intricate details of this impressive tree that are otherwise hidden behind leaves and color.