I sketch this wonderful arbutus base often because it used to hold a simple bench for resting when hiking Notch Hill in Nanoose Bay. I sit here and observe the trees. Some are thriving and full of color and perfect shape, while others are formed and distorted by winds, rocky ground, as well as human interference. I love trees! The “strugglers” fascinate me reaching for the sun and holding on to water’s edge. My most recent tree portraits leave out, or blur, the surrounding environment just like our eye instinctively concentrates on objects we observe. After eight years mastering all mediums I now simply use them all as inspired by the view in front of me, what’s in the bag I carry, and how much time my busy life allows me.