I feel quite privileged to have painted the Dark Hedges, given that storm Gertrude tore through them last month and changed their silhouette forever.
The Dark Hedges was always a popular tourist attraction in Antrim, Northern Ireland, now made famous after featuring in the 'Game of Thrones' TV series. The Beech tree's were originally planted by the Stuart family to line the avenue leading to their estate. Some 200 yrs later these trees are both mysterious and dramatically beautiful.
Possibly one of the most photographed sites in Ireland, its 'mood' changing with the seasons. The combination of light and shadow at the Dark Hedges, as well as snow, mist or haze (depending on the time of year), draws both amateur and professional photographers keen to capture a compelling image, and evidently film producers too!
Over the decades, the branches grew over the road and became entangled and intertwined, creating a covered passageway. Originally, there were about 150 trees, but time has
taken its toll and now there are only 90 remaining.
It was quite a challenge painting this, as I literally couldn't see the wood for the trees! I had to mask off areas of the photo I was working from and almost paint the picture in sections. Any necessity for me to wear glasses now, would be as a result of this painting! It's moving to a new venue next month, and although it's for sale, I think my heart would break just a little at the thought of it no longer being in my possession.
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