When I think back to my childhood, one of the most vivid memories that stands out is the Hawthorn tree that stood proudly outside my bedroom window. It was a constant in my life, a silent witness to my childhood joys and dreams. Every spring, this tree would burst into life, its branches heavy with delicate pink blossoms. Those petals would slowly drift to the ground, forming a soft carpet of pink that blanketed the yard below. It was a sight that I would wait for each year, and one that has found its way into my work time and time again.
The Hawthorn tree has become more than just a nostalgic memory; it’s a symbol of my artistic evolution. In my early pieces, I captured the tree as it existed in my memory—its blossoms, its quiet grace, and the feeling of comfort it provided. The tree’s steadfastness, even as it stood alone in the yard, mirrored the constancy I often sought in my art. As I’ve revisited this subject over the years, I find myself exploring the tree in different seasons, reflecting not only its physical changes but also my own growth as an artist.
Spring, with its vibrant pinks and tender greens, has always been the starting point. It was in these moments that the Hawthorn tree came alive, and I often paint it as it was at the peak of its bloom—an explosion of colour and life. The blossoms represent hope and renewal, two themes that have woven themselves into my work. But as the years have gone by, I’ve begun to explore the other seasons of the tree, each with its own message to convey.
Summer brings with it a lushness, as the tree’s blossoms fall away, replaced by deep green leaves. In my paintings, the summer Hawthorn stands in stark contrast to the delicate blossoms of spring. It becomes a symbol of endurance, a reminder that beauty isn’t fleeting—it simply takes on new forms. The vibrant greens I use in these pieces speak to the fullness of life, and yet there is always a hint of the passing seasons in the shadows of the leaves.
Autumn is where I’ve found some of my most reflective interpretations of the Hawthorn tree. The tree, now shedding its leaves, takes on a quieter, more introspective form. In these works, I explore themes of transition and change. The warm, earthy tones of fall bring a sense of nostalgia, but also a certain melancholy, as the tree prepares for the starkness of winter. This season often parallels the personal transitions I’ve experienced over the years, and my brushstrokes during this phase have become more deliberate, more thoughtful.
Winter, the season in which the tree stands bare, has offered some of the most unexpected inspiration. At first, I hesitated to paint the tree in its most vulnerable state, stripped of all its blossoms and leaves. But over time, I came to see the beauty in its simplicity. The bare branches reaching toward the sky became a metaphor for resilience and quiet strength. In these works, the tree represents endurance through hardship—a message that has taken on new meaning for me as both an artist and an individual.
As my style has evolved, so too has my approach to depicting the Hawthorn tree. While my early works were rooted in realism, capturing the tree as it appeared to my childhood self, my recent interpretations have grown more abstract and vibrant. I now play with colour and form in ways that reflect not just the tree, but the emotions and memories it stirs within me. The blossoms may no longer be perfectly rendered, but their essence is captured in bold strokes of pink and fuchsia that seem to dance across the canvas.
Looking toward the future, the Hawthorn tree will undoubtedly remain a central theme in my work. As my understanding of the tree deepens, I find new layers of meaning in its presence. It is no longer just a childhood memory, but a symbol of growth, change, and renewal. Each time I revisit the tree in my art, I am reminded of where I’ve been, but also inspired by where I am going.
In many ways, the Hawthorn tree has been a silent guide in my artistic journey. Its blossoms have fallen and returned countless times, and through each cycle, I’ve found new inspiration. The tree continues to stand in my mind’s eye, rooted in the past, but always reaching toward the future. And with each new interpretation, I hope to capture not just the beauty of the tree, but the deeper connection it represents between memory, growth, and the endless possibilities of the seasons to come.
NJO
