Day 2: White Oak

The White Oak in Wilcox Park is estimated to be around 300 years old, and it could live to be as old as 700. Imagine this tree as a seedling, as our country just gained independence! Today, I set up beneath its massive branches for several hours and began drawing. My goal was to sharpen my observation skills and reclaim a deeper focus.

In everyday life, I often feel pulled in so many directions that sustained attention has become rare. Maybe it's the effect of constantly having quick answers at my fingertips, something I’ve gradually adapted to without even noticing. One of my main intentions while I’m here is to slow down, to really listen and see.

So today, I spent three hours with this tree. It reminds me of the live oaks in South Carolina, with their long, horizontal limbs that seem to defy gravity (and win). I’m currently working on my pencil cross-hatching technique. It’s a decent start, but I know there’s room to go deeper.

This tree is enormous. I’m not sure I captured its full grandeur in the drawing, but it’s a beginning.

I am drawing on mineral paper- made from rocks, not trees!