"Secluded Birch Grove" Painting

Technical Details: The canvas is stretched on a massive wooden frame about 2 inches deep. The metallic areas have been attached in classic gold plating technique with different kinds of metal leaves based on three kinds of bronze, pure silver, pure white gold, lemon gold and aluminum. The painting is carried out with acrylic colors using iron powder for the dark spaces between the trunks. The edges are covered with metal leaves as well. No additional framing will be needed. Artistic details: The original intention has been to create a painting halfway a realistic landscape and halfway an abstract work of art. I have loved birch trees all my life and their trunks show so many interesting structures, that I felt like doing a painting just with their trunks. When looking very close at the bark it sometimes appears already to be a work of art in black and white on its own. I’ve been looking for a way to put the trunks in the focus without making a classic landscape painting. The metal plated areas enhance the nature of the trees and give an idea of a bright hill calling. The dark background to me symbolizes the unknown. It gives a challenging depth to the painting. Birch trees have been known to symbolize new beginnings, renewal, and purification of the current situation. The birch tree can shed its unwanted bark just like a snake sheds its skin. When the birch tree calls to you, it is asking you to cleanse and purify your current situation. You have the power to heal and recreate anything you desire. Shed what does not serve you any longer, it says. The birch tree also represents boundaries. It separates different landscapes. Be ready to choose new paths. Be ready to move on from old territories to new frontiers. Be ready to be a pioneer again. Be ready to reinvent yourself. Gold and silver represent your possibilities.