These two paintings, “Mt. Tabor Morning” and “Stand Together” are on 36″ x 12″ canvases.
(Left:) Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee. (Right:) Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeBoth depict the Douglas fir forest in Mt. Tabor Park in Portland, Oregon. This park is a beautiful natural area full of these tall and majestic trees. I spend time there frequently.
Mt. Tabor Morning captures the beauty of a sunrise in the forest.
Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeThe painting is dominated by shades of yellow, orange, red, and violet, creating a feeling of joy welling up.
Detail: Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee Detail: Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeThe sun is rising in the gap between two tall trees, casting rays of light that spread out and fill the forest.
Detail: Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee Detail: Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeThe faint hints of trees in the background are washed out by the brilliant light of the sunrise.
Detail: Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee Detail: Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee Detail: Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeIn the foreground, dark silhouettes of branches hang down, providing a dramatic contrast to the bright colors of the sunrise.
Detail: Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee Detail: Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee Artist with art: Mt. Tabor Morning. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeStand Together depicts twin trees growing from the same spot in the ground.
Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeAlthough the painting is filled with bright light, the photo that inspired it was actually taken at night, the source of light coming from a street lamp shining through the fog.
Detail: Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeIn the painting, however, the time of day is not clear. What stands out most is the bold form of the two tall trees, growing together side-by-side.
Detail: Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeDetail: Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee
The painting is full of movement and loose, abstract forms, the artist’s hand evident through the bold brush strokes.
Detail: Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee Detail: Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee Detail: Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeUp close, you’ll notice the thick textures in the paint.
Detail: Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar Lee Detail: Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeBeads of bright white light burst through the thin gap between the towering twin trees, creating a dramatic effect.
Detail: Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeWhenever I see trees growing so close together like this, I can’t help but anthropomorphize them, carried away by the lovely symbolism of the image.
Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeThe trees represent unity and resilience, standing together and supporting each other through thick and thin.
Artist with art: Stand Together. 36″ x 18″, Acrylic on Canvas, © 2023 Cedar LeeEach painting can stand on its own, of course. But when displayed together, these two paintings complement each other beautifully. One blends into the other as if they were intended as one image.
Artist with art: (Left:) Mt. Tabor Morning. (Right:) Stand Together. © 2023 Cedar LeeThis art evokes a feeling of tranquility, encouraging viewers to appreciate the natural world and to find inspiration and hope in its beauty.
Paintings by Cedar Lee. (Left:) Mt. Tabor Morning. (Right:) Stand Together. © 2023 Cedar LeeContact Cedar if you’re interested in purchasing the original paintings, or prints of this artwork.