OAK

Stephen Taylor

Stephen Taylor’s new series of work is all based around one tree. An oak tree on the outskirts of Colchester, in Constable country, has been the focus of his attention for the past 3 years. He has observed and painted this tree throughout the seasons, at different times of day, and in different lighting environments.

Confronted with so many perspectives on one subject, the viewer becomes increasingly aware both of the environment surrounding the subject, and of the changes happening to the tree itself. The surrounding environment changes dramatically in light and colour; other objects come and go, aeroplanes, wildlife, crops and even people pass around the tree. The tree, too, goes through its own changes. The oak, which has been there for so many years, loses its leaves and then blossoms; is covered in rain and snow; ultimately reflecting the weather and climate around it. The more we observe the same subject in its habitat, the more we are aware of the changes that are happening around it. This repartition allows the artist to draw attention to the small differences around it.

The oak tree is a record of the years in which it has stood in the field, and all that has gone on around it. Its rings will reflect each season differently and any change in weather, air or even physical contact is recorded. As the artist records the tree and its passing of time, he begins to mimic the oak tree. The artist goes to the same field at different times of day and year, to sketch or paint the tree in rain, snow or shine, in daylight and at night time. His recording begins to be quite scientific as he relentlessly tries to document the changing tree and its environment.

The style of painting enhances his scientific approach. The tree and its surroundings are chronicled as exactly as possible. Each branch, each leaf, each piece of earth or blade of grass is recorded as the artist perceives it. He is as true to reality as he can be. But as with as method of recording, the filter through which the facts are represented cannot be completely accurate, and it is through these difference that we start to learn about the artist.
This series of paintings and its repeated representation of the same subject compels the viewer to understand the passing of time in this field as it is experienced through the eyes of Stephen Taylor.