Down across the Conestogo River grows my favourite willow tree. As you can see from the photos, the shape of the tree’s trunk is unique and the tree’s tenacity (which the trunk demonstrates) is probably why I like it so much.
In trying to draw a tree, I don’t know if I should be creating work that is from a specific, individual tree or work that is based on the “ideal” of a tree species. My personal inclination is towards an idealized type (which is the kind usually present in Orthodox icons or Islamic miniatures, for example), but the trees I visit to photograph and sketch are ones that I like so much because they are unique. For now I am doing a little of both, drawing a portrait of the specific tree but also noting what common features make it what it is.
While I was there, I also took the chance to look at the single lane, iron bridge that I crossed to sketch the willow tree. I think it might have a part to play in drawing this willow tree so I photographed it as well.