Picture a Day - Day 114

I've always had a weird obsession with trees.

I say weird because I grew up in the land where we had to invent Arbor Day just so we could actually get some shade. Buffalo, wildfires and maple trees do not mix.

But as I sit down and paint more and more trees (which may or may not have large cardinals in them) I find myself turning a more critical eye towards those cool shapes nature can create. Like this lovely bright white tree. I have no idea what it is but I love the curve and smooth flow of branches.I've actually had the idea for a painting of a black background with a white tree in my head for a while and this could be a good picture to base it on.

This other tree I like to call Octotree as it looks like someone took a poor octopus and turned him upside down. (Do not do this to your own octopi as they can get terrible vertigo and will shoot a little ink all over your upholstery).It's got such character and texture, though I fear it'd be a nightmare to paint. I got over my fear of one of the branches swooping in and grabbing me to get close enough to take another picture.I found what looks like a little abandoned squirrel nest in the crook of the octotree:Maybe this is like the bachelor pad for squirrelhood. The women all hang out in the nice big nests while the guys get out and sleep under the stars.

Okay so this thread really is just random pictures of nature and has little to no commentary so here are some picture of pretty flowers:

Introverted Wife: you may get a laugh, you may get an opinion (or three), but you are 100% guaranteed to get too damn many pictures of flowers and trees.

Does anyone else like to just look at some cool tree with character? I think I prefer them without their leaves as you can see the skeleton of the tree so much better.

And since this has been so random, what are you gonna make for dinner? Cause right now I have little to no ideas what to prepare and am hoping for some guidance. Hopefully I'll have a more coherent post tomorrow, but no promises.