Camperdown Elm II

Camperdown Elm is a landscape painting that captures the beauty and resilience of an old tree in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. This tree, which was planted in 1872, has stood witness to significant events in human history, including the Dutch Elm disease that decimated the elm tree population. As a cultivar, it relies on human intervention to reproduce, making it a unique symbol of our relationship with nature.

The painting also reflects my philosophy on landscape painting as a collaborative, ongoing process that involves both the artist and the viewer. By depicting the landscape without human figures, I aim to invite the viewer into the painting and to encourage them to bring their own experiences and interpretations to the work. In this way, the painting becomes a reflection of the collective experience of the community that produced it.

This year, as we have all spent more time in our local landscapes due to the pandemic, the Camperdown Elm and other landscapes in Prospect Park have taken on new meaning for many of us. They have become a source of comfort, escape, joy, and recreation as we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the present moment. By depicting these landscapes in my paintings, I hope to celebrate the continuity and resilience of the natural world and to inspire viewers to think more deeply about their own relationship to the environment.

Through the use of vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes, I also aim to convey the majesty and complexity of the natural world, and to inspire viewers to see the world with fresh eyes. By exploring the theme of eco-innovation through art, I hope to inspire viewers to consider the creative solutions being developed to nurture and preserve our planet for future generations.

Ultimately, Camperdown Elm is a tribute to the interdependence of humans and the natural world. It invites viewers to be Environmental Visionaries in their own right, working to protect and preserve the earth for future generations.