It is all about the light

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, nature weaves its own artistry, the bark of the tree Arbutus menziesii. Also known as the Pacific madrone, this species of broadleaf evergreen belongs in the family Ericaceae. 

According to Wikipedia, “the Ericaceae are a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the heath or heather family, found most commonly in acidic and infertile growing conditions. The family is large, with c. 4250 known species spread across 124 genera, making it the 14th most species-rich family of flowering plants.”

In the region of California where I live, the Madrone is common in the Napa Valley and the Coast. Going up North, the oldest trees can be found. The FEATURED IMAGE was photographed in Ashland, Oregon, at the border with California. Unfortunately, older trees with thick trunks are difficult to find in California because of all wildfires we have had in the past few years.

What makes the madrone bark truly exceptional is its ability to shed its outer layers, revealing fresh, vibrant shades underneath. At first glance, the bark’s rich orange hues draw you in, hinting at the hidden depths waiting to be discovered. Each knot and crevice tell a story of resilience, bearing witness to years of growth and weathering.

This close-up image brings a touch of wilderness into any space, sparking conversations about the wonders of our environment and reminding us to cherish the intricacies of the world around us.

I have other bark images in my collection “Tree Bark” . The collection also features lichen, the surface and bottom of water bodies, foliage and flowers. Remember that patterns are everywhere, and they are accessible to almost any photographer with a cell phone and a bit of imagination. They can be turned into appealing pieces of wall art that are politically neutral, colorful and upbeat. They look great in alternative print media such as acrylic, metal and wood.

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Wall Art Botanical Images

Wall Art Photography projects

Wall Art landscapes and miscellaneous

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