Tree of Life
Original Oil
by Beckie Rock
Art Size: 8" x 10"
Framed Size: 14.5” x 13”
I painted this tree in the daytime as part of Holladay Plein Air. It was at the top of the hill near the bowery at Creekside Park South. I was drawn to the twisted trunk with the incredible heart-shaped hollow. I hadn't really finished it until this year when I studied the Tree of Life and its diverse and similar meanings in different cultures. I decided it had to be changed to a glowing nocturne. This loving tree symbolizes the journey through life, learning to love and develop compassion through its own struggles.
Beckie Rock grew up in Utah surrounded by a family that loved art. You may even say it was instilled in her from birth. She learned most of her art abilities from her mother, May Blair, and sister, Bonnie Posselli, while also taking classes at the Salt Lake Community College were she earned associate degrees in both Illustration and Design.
Beckie has always had a passion for art and her inspiration is her sister, Bonnie Posselli, a renowned Utah artist. Rock’s mother, May Blair, started to really dive into art after her children were grown, and Rock followed in her mother’s footsteps, finding her artistic desire after her own children were grown.
Plein Air painting is my favorite way to paint, outside in this incredibly beautiful world, usually alongside my sister, Bonnie Posselli.
The challenge of changing light, swiftly moving clouds, animals, and other subjects helps develop the need to observe and paint quickly. Learning to choose colors and leave them, even though they change during the painting session is a constant goal.
Utah has some jaw-dropping scenery and it's soul-filling to visit and paint these beautiful vistas.