Painting New Orleans Blog

What inspires me about painting Oak Trees

Recently a customer asked me about why I painted oak trees and it got me thinking what is my attraction to the southern  live oak and what does it means to me.

''Audubon Park Oaks'' 24'' x 72'' $1395

I suppose I paint oak trees for a variety of reasons.  They are beautiful: They stay green all year long. The branches curve in delightful patterns, while the Spanish Moss drapes over them like delicate jewelry. But I think my attraction to them goes beyond that. A Live oak tree is a symbol of the Deep South and my adoptive hometown of New Orleans.  They represent something larger than myself. 

'Antebellum' 48" x 60" $2,500

I like the physical form of the oak tree as it takes on the elements; even as the branches fling themselves every which way the trunk stands immobile and unyielding.   They seem to have achieved a calmness and self composure that I envy. These oaks have stood here for generations, unconcerned by  human foibles, just hanging out looking great.  

 ''Tree of Life'' 48'' x 36'' $1495

If I had to compare them to a person it would be Clint Eastwood, someone who always had an aura of authentic  cool around him. He never seems swayed by fashion and fame, he just continues to make movies with gravitas and weight year after year. 

''Flower Dance at City Park'' 11'' x 14'' $195

So why do I like to paint Oak trees?  They symbolize a certain steadfastness against the elements, a quality I am trying to capture with my paint and brush.

Thanks For Reading,

Adam K. Hall

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