Every Thursday, blogging buddy Mike of
Billions of Versions of Normal (found here)
does a post called "Thursday Trees."
I always enjoy his collections of tree photos,
so here's my contribution!
From the "Drawing Australia" course
I took recently, this is an Australian gum tree
being encircled by a strangler fig.
Let's pretend it's just a warm hug, okay?
I'm sure the gum tree will be fine!
As usual, I did this freehand using
HB, 2B, 4B and 6B pencils.
[Art & photo of art © Debra She Who Seeks, 2025]
Dear Debra,
ReplyDeleteAs a self-declared tree-hugger 🌳 (see my latest blog post!), this is definitely a topic close to my heart – and the same goes for your wonderful drawing. I'm truly glad you pointed out that the Australian gum tree isn’t being killed by the strangler fig, but rather gently embraced. That’s exactly how it should be! 😊
All the best,
Traude
🌿 https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/06/juni-highlights-naturpark-sparbach.html
...kookaburra in the old gun tree comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I could call it a "warm hug" from a STRANGLER fig. 🙀
ReplyDeleteThanks for the new blog link. I really enjoy his page. Of course yours is on top of my list.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, Debra, how benevolent that strangler fig is. It looks like a combination of the Little Shop of Horrors and the African Strangler plant from the Addams Family.
ReplyDelete--Jim
p.s. Notice how I avoided bad puns about "chewing gum."
👌👏 Excellent references, Parnassus! This art work cries out to be named "Feed Me, Seymour!" 🤣
DeleteGreat pencil drawing. Trees are the best, aren't they?
ReplyDelete😳🫣 Reminds me of one of those weird tattoos Hubby is always threatening to get...where his skin is opened up to reveal living entrails! 😱 Excellent capture of nature's eeriness, Debra! 🤩
ReplyDeleteI recently finished a graphic adaption of the book, The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben that was so amazing to read. I learned that trees actually have a social system and interact and it was so interesting! I think you would like it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and such talent!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat tree looks imbued with magic, like a dryad might emerge at any moment.
ReplyDeleteFellow tree lover, here.
I've said it before and I will say it again now. I wish I could take the classes you are. This is amazing. Well done my friend.
ReplyDeleteMy brain sees two little gremlins at the bottom left.
ReplyDelete@ Mike -- Probably gnomes disguised as gremlins.
DeleteI see the gremlins too!
DeleteWhat a sweet tribute to Mike’s “Thursday Trees”! I love your drawing such beautiful shading and detail. That strangler fig does look like it’s giving a big ol’ hug (we’ll pretend, haha).
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your artistic talent with us!
Wonderful. I saw a tree like that today. Not an Australian tree obviously but one entwined by thick ivy stems.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE it. I had a season of life where I was obsessed with the artistry of trees. So much variety. So beautiful. Love the creativity.
ReplyDeleteLovely stuff, Debra. You are quite talented. I love the drawing and the message.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cartoon work.
ReplyDeleteI just did a google search on strangler figs and they do seem very scary plants. Yikes.
Liam :)
Well Mike found some amazing trees. I like yours.
ReplyDeleteI hope, despite the post being for Mike, that you don’t mind my looking at it. Beautiful drawing of a warm and loving hug.
ReplyDeleteThe more trees the better in my world.
ReplyDeleteWhat Kathy G said.
ReplyDeleteYou are such an artist. I love this.
ReplyDeleteIf that's Australia why isn't there a kangaroo bounding past with a joey waving from her pouch?
ReplyDeleteNever too many trees.
ReplyDeleteNever.
And you know how much I love pencil drawings.
XOXO
I have local tree friends. Some are beset by poison ivy, but I don't think they're strangled.
ReplyDeleteWow wow wow. It’s brilliant.
ReplyDeleteAnd I’m an Aussie so I know what I’m talking about lol
Very nice. You are good at that.
ReplyDeleteThis is so remarkable. Feels like the gum trees I see around the bush
ReplyDeleteNicely done, Debra. I agree with Roentare. The tree and the fig look like those I've seen in the wild. You have many talents and interests, but you're an integrated whole person. I admire that in you.
ReplyDelete@ Fundy Blue -- Thank you, Louise. You make me blush.
DeleteFigs and gum. You may have come up with a new recipe. Great drawing.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful drawing. You're very talented. And have me intrigued with the "embrace" of the strangler fig. I have to go google this now so I can be sure the gum tree will be fine hahaha!
ReplyDeleteSxx
Can't beat a bit of tree hugging!
ReplyDeleteOne of the most beautiful expressions dear Debra 🥹
ReplyDeleteSo clean to my heart and I have seen such few tree hugging each other regardless of race and colour 🥹🤗🥰♥️👍♥️
I became so emotional that forgot to say how magnificently done is this beautiful,beautiful,beautiful art 🥹♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
ReplyDelete