A Murmur in the Trees IV ©John O’Grady 2014
Oil on Panel, 10″x 10″
You can watch an edited video of me making the painting below which is the fourth in a series directly inspired by the magical poem by Emily Dickinson.
A Murmur in the Trees – to note
A Murmur in the Trees – to note –
Not loud enough – for Wind –
A Star – not far enough to seek –
Nor near enough – to find –
A long – long Yellow – on the Lawn –
A Hubbub – as of feet –
Not audible – as Ours – to Us –
But dapperer – More Sweet –
A Hurrying Home of little Men
To Houses unperceived –
All this – and more – if I should tell –
Would never be believed –
Of Robins in the Trundle bed
How many I espy
Whose Nightgowns could not hide the Wings –
Although I heard them try –
But then I promised ne’er to tell –
How could I break My Word?
So go your Way – and I’ll go Mine –
No fear you’ll miss the Road.
I would love to hear what you think.
This has the vertiginous quality of The Fairy Rath but more movement and dizzying dappled light. It really captures the magical, ephemeral mood of the poem. I can hear the leaves rustling and feel the wind. I’m always amazed by how you start these pieces, John, with all that wild underpainting. You are right to let your instincts (and the mysterious muse) lead you. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your process.
Hello Josephine,
It’s a poem I come back to time after time. The magical quality in it whispers like the wind. I think it was that feeling that I wished to come through in the painting. I am glad it caught a little of that magic for you too. Yes, that wild underpainting makes me giggle a bit when I looked at it on the video, as it looks nothing like a dell, when I held it up to the camera, hey ho! Thank you for your comment
Absolutely wonderful per usual John and thank you for sharing especially the little video of the process. I love the way you start the painting with all the colours put together on the canvas and then make sense of it pulling it all together to make a wonderful scene. I would love to be walking through that dappled shade under the trees into the strong light and then back into the tunnel-like shade again! The colours are great. I enjoy your paintings so much. 🙂
Hello Eileen,
I am glad you found the video of interest. The start to a painting looks a little bit crazy but I enjoy working that way. It adds a bit of the unknown into the painting hopefully. Thank you for your lovely comment on the finished piece, most kind of you.
There is something very enticing about this tunnel of light and shade, cool and warmth; the delicate notes and dappling of nature are magical. Wonderful John.
Hello Christine,
It would be pleasant to go for a walk there I agree. The light has a special quality when filtered through trees and undergrowth I think. Thank you
Great! Great! Great! I love it, you are a magician, John O’Grady! I am nearly out of words watching the video!
Great! Thanks for showing
Frauke
Hello Frauke,
Hopefully more to come, so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you very much 🙂
Please share it with your friends!