Trees always make me happy, and it makes me sad if I have to remove them for any reason. In particular, I like oak trees, and where I live, it is against the law to cut any oak tree down without permission. California is dotted with beautiful oak trees across the hills; from a distance, I always think that this is what a herd of buffaloes must have looked like in the 1800s as they grazed across the prairies. (Technically, the American buffalo is a bison.)
Mid-morning I headed out to a local park next to the botanical garden. The park is on a gentle slope upon which are several grand oaks. Many are supported by metal tubing as their branches can sprawl far from the trunk, often breaking and falling from the stress.
My goal this morning was to simply get out and sketch plein air. Rummaging through my stash of sketchbooks and paper, I found a 6×12 spiral-bound Pentalic watercolor journal, unused. Perfect for landscapes! And for the broad sprawl of the oak tree.
I think I did a decent job here!
Pen, waterproof ink, 6×12.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Oh yes, you did a decent job here N! Actually, better than decent. I would say great. I share your love for trees and this drawing is great.
Thanks, Anne! I am so glad you like it – it was fun to just sit on the grass, look at the tree, look at the people, look at the man doing yoga, and look back again.
Very nice drawing of a very beautiful tree! Judy xoxox
Thanks, Judy! Glad you like it!
Trees are one of my favorites as well. When we lived in rural France there were many old gnarled trunks, perfect for ink sketching. I love you oak tree, like you I hate when they have to be cut.
Thanks, Terry! I like oaks as there are so many, worldwide.
California’s Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia) are stunning! Very nice detail on the bark and the sprawling limbs. And I’d love to see your drawings of the Southern Live Oaks – those whose limbs spread to almost 90 feet – if you have the opportunity to travel down south sometime.
Very nice!
I love oaks, Tagpipspearl, and do love the way the way oak trees just sprawl. I think the Southern Live Oaks are equally spectacular, especially with the Spanish moss as decoration.