Since we only recently joined in the Outdoor Hour Challenges we needed to choose a tree to use for our year long study. We choose a Wild Cherry Tree right outside my mom’s kitchen window. I think this will be a great tree to really display change in seasons… bright leaves in the fall, flowers in the spring, berries in the summer.
We gathered a bunch of leaves. It was very interesting to note the range in size and color. The kids, especially Fairy, thought the purple stems were very cool. Upon further reading I think I should note that Cherry Tree Leaves and Stems can be toxic, especially if wilted or damaged.
Another interesting observation was the texture on the bark. It has very distinct horizontal lines rather that vertical like all the other trees we have studied so far.
The best part about this tree… we can see it from the kitchen table. Although we love drawing outside, sitting at the table meant I was actually able to participate this time rather than just facilitating and documenting everyone else’s study. It has been a really long time since I sat and tried to draw anything… and of course I didn’t get a chance to finish it but what the heck, I thought I would share my entry this time instead of one of the kiddos.
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Ohhh…a cherry tree. I think that is a great selection for your tree study.
Your sketch of the tree is awesome.
Thanks for sharing your tree and entry.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
great sketch!! :^D)
Thanks ladies. It didn’t turn out half bad… until I remember I’m supposed to have a degree in this sort of thing. LOL. I haven’t really drawn a thing since college and then it was 3 semesters of Human Form… so a nude on a platform and I’m all set, flowers in a vase… not so much ;). Nature drawing really is a whole different ball game… and I really am enjoying it with the kids.
i love sketching with my kids. it really mellows us out. :^)
Beautiful leaves and amazing sketch!
One of the other nice things about this tree is tons of animals hang out in it. It is very close to our food ledge and various other bird feeders. It’s a resting spot for every backyard bird in the midwest, including the hawk who uses our backyard for his personal buffet! It also provides entertainment for squirrels and racoons!
Beautiful sketch! I do my own nature journal, to encourage my daughter, but it’s been a long time since I tried to draw a tree. Maybe I need to try it, too!
Looks like a great study!