Monday 4 November 2013

Rowan berries

Rowan berries ( torn paper collage)



Autumn is here and this collaged canvas is inspired by this lovely view of Eilean Donan castle I took last week.



 Rowan trees are so beautiful at this time of the year. The scarlet berries plump and bright against the cold pale sun. Rowan is a small deciduous tree found all over the highlands of Scotland it is sometimes called ‘The Lady of the Mountain’ as its other name is Mountain ash.


The Rowan tree is one of the most sacred trees in Scottish folk tradition. Rowan is one of the trees associated with Saint Brighid, the Celtic patroness of the arts, healing, spinning and weaving. Spindles and spinning wheels were traditionally made of Rowan in Scotland and Ireland.

 Rowan twigs were placed above doorways and barns to protect the inhabitants against misfortune and evil spirits.


 Rowan trees planted near stone circles in Scotland were especially powerful. Scottish Fairies were said to hold their celebrations within stone circles protected by Rowan trees.


I like to think the fairies are preparing to hold a celebration around my lochside trees soon.... ;)


Collage obsession have chosen the theme of black and white plus one other colour. I thought it would be fun to change the colour digitally adding just the red berries to make a strong contrast.

rowan trees ( Collage obsession )
Linking up to collage obsession this week.

Also linked to Paint party friday

32 comments:

  1. I love your picture. The composition and gentle colours are so peaceful.

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  2. You've made such a gorgeous collage again! The inspiration photo is beautiful as well. I, too, love the red rowan berries. The tree is sacred in Finland's old religion, too.

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  3. Ooh, this is so lovely, it has a very 3D effect. And I love hearing about the mythology behind of the tree.

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  4. This is beautiful! Love the picture of Eilean Donan castle too! Really enjoyed reading the history around the Rowan Tree, great blog post x

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  5. Where do you live Morag? This is lovely. The colors and textures of the painting are just wonderful...especially in the sky. I like the subtleness of the sky and how well you captured the tree and berries.

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  6. It's a beautiful location for a fairy party, no doubt. Thank you for the fascinating recount of the mythology surrounding the rowan tree. Your painting captured the magic of the place. Do I see Indian style fonts/writing in the background of the sky or my imagination is running wild? ;)

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  7. Absolutely beautiful! Allleading up to the Collage Obsession are wonderful.

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  8. This is beautiful. I love the details in the leaves and berries as you showed us close ups. interesting information to. I didn't know any of that about rowan trees-I've learnt something new!

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  9. Very interesting to read the folk lore about the Rowan tree in Scotland, and a lovely image to accompany it. I like the way you transformed it into the black and white version with the touches of red for Collage Obsession.
    The many Rowans around here are so full of luscious berries they are a joy to see - but when I was young it was said that so many berries meant a hard winter. I do hope not.
    Thank you for your lovely comments on my 'Hearts' post.

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  10. Gorgeous, gorgeous piece. Rich and detailed. I love your story as well.

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  11. Your collage is absolutely beautiful and so original! Just perfect for the challenge. I enjoyed reading about the tree's uses and meanings, too. Thanks for participating in CO!

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  12. That is just beautiful! I love how the branches stand out. :)

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  13. Your rowan inspired paintings are beautiful! Your style shines through giving them an extra depth. I've always admired the colours of scottish artists, it must be the wonderful landscape you live in!
    Jess xx

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  14. Beautiful collage and good to learn about those berries. There are a lot of them here, too, so I will watch out for the fiaries. Valerie

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  15. Oh I feel like I've had a lovely lesson on my heritage... I love how you have honored this tree in your artwork...so beautiful! Thanks for sharing!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  16. Super gorgeous Rowan tree art..and wonderful tribute to the powerful and sacred Brighid, (she is close to my heart too) I love all that you shared..and the stunning castle in the background! The Rowan tree is so deeply spiritual..beautiful art Morag!! Magical!
    Wishing you many blessings..
    Victoria

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  17. Beautiful work Morag, I love your Rowan trees, it's so great how you are inspired by all the scottish beauty around you, it's such a magical place!

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  18. These are beautiful. The black and white one with red is stunning. Great works. Thank you for sharing

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  19. such a beautiful collage and painting! Thank you for sharing about the rowan tree- I love reading about the meanings of trees and animals etc.

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  20. your art is beautiful!
    just this year i realized that the Rowan tree is also known as the Mountain ash that we have in our area. I was delighted to consider it as the fairy celtic tree.

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  21. Wonderful paintings the photos too.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  22. Really lovely work, and enjoyed the bit of background you wrote about the trees! just love the berries...happy PPF!

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  23. This is so lovely! I love the photo of the castle and the Rowan tree, I have never seen such a tree! Beautiful paintings done from these photos!

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  24. Beautiful work. I love Rowan trees. We had a large one in our garden in the UK

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  25. this is awesome..love the painting!

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  26. I love that collaged canvas - collage is a favorite of mine and that is fantastic. Loved the information about the tree also and it's part in Scottish culture.

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  27. Beautiful collage, love your art so much! <3 Wonderful photographs, too!

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  28. This is fantastic. I'm especially full of admiration for the torn paper collage for it must have taken you ages and what a brilliant idea to transform it digitally. We had a rowan tree in our garden too, they're such beautiful trees

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  29. Castles, fairies, Rowan branches, berries. I am transported!

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  30. So beautiful artwork and how interesting that the tree has such a mythical meaning in your country.
    Happy PPF
    Ilona

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  31. I love this painting. So glad you are painting where you live. . . it give me a chance to see where my ancestors came from. . . I absolutely love it. Thank you. Blessings, Janet PPF

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