#17960 Mezquita Gullon

The artwork presents a study of a tree trunk, rendered in a muted palette dominated by browns, ochres, and subtle greens. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the upward growth of the subject. Here we see a substantial, aged trunk as the central focus; its surface appears deeply textured with visible cracks, knots, and irregularities suggesting considerable time spent enduring environmental forces.
The artist employed a technique that blends drawing and painting, utilizing both broad washes of color and precise lines to delineate form. The application is loose and expressive, eschewing sharp outlines in favor of an atmospheric quality. Light seems to emanate from the upper portion of the trunk, creating highlights that accentuate its three-dimensionality while simultaneously softening the edges.
The surrounding area appears less defined, dissolving into a hazy background which contributes to a sense of depth and isolation. A network of branches extends upwards from the top of the trunk, their forms sketched with quick, energetic lines. These branches are not fully realized, appearing more as suggestions than detailed representations.
Subtly layered within the composition are traces of what appear to be underlying sketches or washes, hinting at a process of iterative development and revision. This layering adds complexity and visual interest, suggesting that the artist was engaged in an exploration of form rather than simply replicating it. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation; the work evokes themes of resilience, age, and the enduring power of nature. It’s possible to interpret this as a meditation on times passage and the silent witness of natural forms.