Aspen Grove

In the spring, 14 years ago, I bought a small fleet of young Aspen trees. They were young'uns, not quite 4 feet tall, and eager to place their roots in the soil. I love the wild, unmanicured look of Aspens that can flow freely in the breezes that trail through a landscape. They are deciduous trees well known for their bright yellow leaves in the fall. Aspis, the aspen's Greek name, means shield and is seen as a symbol of protection. Because of this, many farmers planted them outside of their homes, and the soft whistling noise created by the leaves was said to be a communication with another world. I planted these trees outside my farmhouse in Snohomish, and many times, as I look at this painting, I am reminded of my home up north. These trees are now mature and have reached heights of between 30 and 40 feet, and I have placed a hammock between two of the trees where, on a summer afternoon, I can rest my eyes and just listen to the leaves rustling.