Emily Leonard Trenholm: Shapeshifters

Over the past several years, I have put much of my energy into drawing and painting trees. Their flaky, smooth, mossy, gnarled bark. The thin slivers of sticky branches shooting out from trunks and sturdy bows support dense evergreen foliage. I am fascinated by how these shapes hold space and reveal and conceal portals into the deep woods. I love spending time outside and feel most free painting when I’m surrounded by towering flora. The combinations of subjects are endless; I could spend a lifetime drawing and painting trees. — Emily Leonard Trenholm