The Story Behind the 'Trees Along The Canal'

March 10, 2015

This week I highlight the story of Mary Mollica and her photo of trees along the DeWitt canal in New York. She is one of the eight winners of the Best Onondaga County Tree Photo Challenge, an interactive art project that asked Onondaga County residents to go into nature, find the most beautiful trees in our county, and send their suggestions to me with a photo.

Describe yourself: name, age, location, what do you do for a living and what are some of your hobbies? Mary Mollica, 47, Liverpool, NY Artist & Owner of The Decorative Paintbrush, It's funny that you ask about "hobbies" because I really don't have any I don't think? lol! My profession and my hobbies all sort of intertwine. I love to paint, hunt for antiques and refurbish them into art. I also love photography & writing my blog-you name it! If it's creative I'm trying it!

Why did you choose to photograph this particular tree/ trees? I loved the way the colors of this particular tree and its surroundings all worked together. It just looked so peaceful and serene.

What time of the year was it? I took this at the beginning of Fall

What is the exact location of this tree? This tree was at one of the stops/entrances along the Erie Canal in DeWitt

Do you know the type of tree you have captured? Does this tree have a particular meaning to you? I believe it's an Oak Tree. Like I said, I was drawn to it because of its vibrant colors, as if it were ablaze against the cool back drop of the sky & water. I love the way the Oak tree develops from a tiny acorn into a mighty, intricate tree-old and wise.

How did you find out about this challenge? I found about this challenge via Face Book

The making of the 'Trees Along The Canal'

The reason why I chose to paint this tree is very simple: I LOVE FALL COLORS and this photo truly capture the hues of this beautiful season. Below you will see the development of this painting.

The finished piece is a 30x24" acrylic on gallery wrap canvas and was completed during the month of March of 2015.

Trees Along The Canal, 30x24" acrylic on canvas by Maria Rizzo.

The Story behind the 'Unknown Tree'

March 08, 2015 in art, Nature, photography

This week I highlight the story of Bryan and his photo of a unknown tree in Oran, NY. He is one of the eight winners of the Best Onondaga County Tree Photo Challenge, an interactive art project that asked Onondaga County residents to go into nature, find the most beautiful trees in our county, and send their suggestions to me with a photo.

I asked Bryan to share with us who he is, what he does for a living, what are some of his hobbies, why was he compelled to photograph this scene, if he knew what type of trees they are and how did he found out about this challenge. Here it's his response:

Bryan Hills, 64, born in DeRuyter--live in Jamesville, now retired--formerly customer service supervisor for Crouse Hinds in Syracuse, like golf, walking, building wood projects, being outdoors.

I have passed by this tree many times, at different times of the year, it always caught my attention, I look forward to seeing the changes in its appearance every time I go by.

The picture was taken on March 23, 2014. The tree is located in a field on the east side of Oran-Delphi Rd, about 4 miles from Oran, NY. I do not know the type of tree, as far as meaning, the tree just always intrigued me.

I found out about the challange when you had your art showing at the Half Moon bakery in Jamesville. My wife and I brought our brother and sister in law to view your paintings. We had met you at the parade of homes in Jamesville.

The making of the 'Unknown Tree'

I chose to paint this tree from Oran, NY because I loved its dancing shape against the beautiful winter colors of the background. if you think you know what type of tree this is, don't hesitate to let me know, actually, I would love to find out!

Below you will find the development of this painting:

The final piece is a 24x30" acrylic on gallery wrap canvas finished in February 2015.

Unknown Tree, 24x30" acrylic on canvas, 2015 by Maria Rizzo.

The Story Behind the Gingko Tree

March 06, 2015 in art, Nature, photography

This week I highlight the story of Ellen Leahy and her photo of a Gingko tree. She is one of the eight winners of the Best Onondaga County Tree Photo Challenge, an interactive art project that asked Onondaga County residents to go into nature, find the most beautiful trees in our county, and send their suggestions to me with a photo.

Describe yourself: name, age, location, what do you do for a living and what are some of your hobbies? Hello, I am a ladylike lady who is also a bit feral, living in the old veterinarian’s house in Skaneateles. I like to wonder.

Why did you choose to photograph this particular tree?

I am particularly drawn to gingko trees because their beauty and hardiness. This gingko in particular is rather tall. Gingkos are ancient!

What time of the year was it? It was in the fall - every Fall I watch this tree change from green to yellow.

What is the exact location of this tree? The tree is on the eastern side of the historic Kreb’s Restaurant building on Route 20 in Skaneateles.

How did you find out about this challenge? I think Facebook

The making of the 'Gingko Tree'

I chose this tree because I was attracted by its shape and color and because I was intrigued by its unique name. After doing some research I realized why the Gingko tree is such a fascinating species. Let me share a couple of facts with you:

"Botanical.com recognizes Ginkgo biloba as 'the oldest living tree on the planet that's been used safely for over 3000 years,' noting that this relic from dinosaur times 'was nearly wiped out during the Ice Age everywhere except in China.' " "Another notable ginkgo tree fact - the bark and leaves of the plant are believed to secrete a sap which acts as a fire retardant. One of the useful functions of ginkgo biloba is thus as a natural means of protection against fires."

Below you will see the development of this acrylic painting.

The finished Gingko tree from Skaneateles, NY was painted with Golden acrylic on a 24x18" gallery wrap canvas during the month of Febrary, 2015.

Gingko tree, 24x18" acrylic on canvas by Maria Rizzo, 2015.

The Story behind the 'Willow Tree'

February 17, 2015 in art, Nature, photography

This week I will highlight the story of Steven Marrone, one of the eight winners of the Best Onondaga County Tree Photo Challenge, an interactive art project that asked Onondaga County residents to go into nature, find the most beautiful trees in our county, and send their suggestions to me with a photo.

1. Describe yourself: name, age, location, what do you do for a living and what are some of your hobbies? Steven Marrone, 32, Syracuse. Job: Owner- Steven Marrone Painting. Hobbies: Hiking, Oil Painting, Photography

2. Why did you choose to photograph this particular tree/ trees? This particular tree is amazing to see in person. There are just so many angles to capture. Each shot can portray many different emotions. The bark has so much depth, that if you stare at a section, your eyes will play tricks on you.

3. What time of the year was it? Summer

4- What is the exact location of this tree? The tree is located in Burnet Park right behind the swimming pool. 43.0406524,-76.185678

5 - Do you know the type of tree you have captured? Does this tree have a particular meaning to you? Willow. This is my favorite tree to stare up at and take photos. Each photo is so different.

6 - How did you find out about this challenge? Social media

The making of 'Willow Tree'

Below you will see the step by step development of this acrylic painting.

The finished painting, below, I hope you like it!

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.

~ Maria Rizzo