The Misti Tree

I don’t remember when my sister-in-law, Misti, first asked me to do an illustration for her of a tree, but it was years ago. Some projects I need to think about for a long time — not usually that long — so I can get an idea of how I want it to look. In this case, elements of the tree (like the little city at the base) didn’t come to me until much later.

This tree’s leaves represents Misti’s three children: Dogwood (center) is Ean, her oldest son, Maple in Autumn (right) is Elijah (Eli), and Cherry Blossom (left) is Courtney, her youngest. The rest of the tree (city around the base, water around the tree, etc.) was all just my style.

My niece, Courtney, contributed to the piece by putting some characters and creatures here and there throughout. My original plan was to fill the space with a bustling, crowded city with townsfolk going about their day, in the water, in the sky, and within the leaves, but as usual in life, time was the main factor in what was or was not included. Plus, my niece was in full summer mode, so I didn’t get as much out of her as I’d liked to! ??

I’m pleased with the final version, though as with most of my work, I’d like to go back and add more stuff, fix things I’m not happy with, etc., but we’ll see if that ever happens.

We got this printed at full size (30.75? x 24.75?) and matted/framed (40.875? x 35.375?) at American Frame, who did such an amazing job!