Zatista The premier source for original art online

The original Giving Tree cover on wikepedia.org

One of my favorite books of all time is Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree. This children’s book, originally published in 1964, remains a staple in the early-years reading lists and has been very influential to millions of readers around the globe.

Shel Silverstein on americanpoems.com

On the surface, the story is a sad and simple one. But upon further examination, especially with adult eyes, the meaning becomes much more profound and, some would argue, disturbing. Nevertheless, the power of the story is everlasting.

The Clearing by S. Josephine Weaver on zatista.com

Trees are indeed giving and perhaps we take them very much for granted at times. They are like silent partners in our lives, always standing nearby watching over us, providing materials required for everyday living, and indeed, helping maintain the health of the planet.

Tree Lane by Corey Ulrich on zatista.com

Beyond the fruits and nuts that they contribute to our diets, they give us some of the raw materials for paper, building materials, and many cellulose-based products.  They are one of our few renewable resources, and with smart forest management, the cycle of give and take can remain equitable and sustainable.

Where Evening Begins 1 by Konnie Kim on zatista.com

Given their prominence in our lives, it’s no surprise that trees were chosen to be and remain one of the primary symbols of the holiday season, subject of songs and greeting cards, and assigned an honored place in our homes and year-end celebrations. They remind us that this is a time of year about both giving and receiving.

Alone by Doug Hockman on zatista.com

The aesthetic nature of trees cannot be denied. As specimens in a landscape, they are magnificent. A quick search of Zatista‘s offerings proves their popularity with artists of all media. They give us a yearly four-season show, with each different aspect more beautiful than the next. We enjoy their company in any form because they pass the time with us, and let us know that all is well.

Brian Sylvester is a guest blogger on WallSpin, and an artist on Zatista.

Related articles

• It’s About Time (zatista.com)
• Shel Silverstein book released 12 years after his death (today.msnbc.msn.com)
• Masters of Gouache (zatista.com)
• The Little Boy and the Old Man – Shel Silverstein (thehenrybrothers.wordpress.com)

Vertical Vines/Red String by Nanci Erskine on zatista.com

Art is an exercise in observation. Whether the subject is real or imagined, the end result provides a lasting record and reference for future generations.

Yamazakura by Anthony Dunphy on Zatista.com

In the early years of discovery, long before the advent of film and computers, scientists relied more on human ingenuity than machine technology to capture and catalog information. This is where art and science met to work hand in hand and were considered to be complementary, not opposing, ways to view and describe the world.

Illustration of Lewisa rediviva by Frederick Pursh on plantsystematics.org

Early explorers such as Lewis and Clark, in addition to the journals they kept full of their own notes, maps and sketches, hired botanists to draw and describe the plant specimens they collected  and sent back from their expeditions. These were later gathered into book form and served as an invaluable reference tool for the study of American flora.

Mammalia Pl. 9 by Charles Darwin on darwin-online.org

The naturalist Charles Darwin produced many illustrations to help support his theories about the origin of species. His keen eye for small variations in details allowed him to make sense of scientific evidence that had never before been unified into one theory of life sciences.

White Gerfalcons by John James Audubon on wikipedia.org

John James Audubon was an ornithologist who also happened to be an excellent painter. His work with birds and the publishing of The Birds of North America led to the identification of many new species. Today, his prints are highly sought after by art collectors.

Poppies by David Page on zatista.com

Present day artists, much like these early art pioneers, record their natural surroundings and, consciously or not, comment on the state of the human condition. While the methods and motivations may have changed from those of the past, the end result is much the same: compelling us to see the world with greater insight and appreciation.

Brian Sylvester is a guest blogger on WallSpin, and an artist on Zatista.

Water is Life by Mark David Smith Zatista.com

Water is life.  Perhaps this is the reason it’s a recurring theme in all types of artwork.  We are surrounded by water each and every day, and for this reason, I fear that we sometimes take it for granted and forget how dependent we are on it.  We are fortunate to have water in such great abundance when there are still places and people for whom access to water is a luxury.

The Back Bay by Jacquelyn Sloane Siklos Zatista.com

Water is vital for the health and well-being of all living things, and its role in industry is just as important.  Without shipping channels, much of the world would be without food, fuel and other vital provisions. Throughout history, the harnessing of water through dams and mills has proven an invaluable natural energy resource.

Magic Hour II by Anne Lively Zatista.com

Often, it is only when we are faced with water in nature that we truly appreciate its power and beauty.  Both the lines of a majestic waterfall and the vastness of the ocean are awe inspiring, even more so because behind the beautiful surface is the reality of a potential destructive force.  But as many images as we see on the nightly news of the damage water can cause, most of us continue to have good associations with its more gentle and enriching side.

Swell by Ginger Marshall Zatista.com

The human body is mostly water, so it is not surprising that we respond deeply to the rhythms of the tides, the sights and sounds and sensation of being afloat stirring something primal and common to us all, and that we would seek to recapture that feeling in a work of art.

Brooklyn Bridge by David Hoffman Zatista.com

Whether picking a vacation destination or decorating their homes, many people seem to prefer landscapes that include some kind of body of water.  Small streams and ponds, beaches and waterfront settings create an intimate familiar feeling but also connect us to something larger outside of ourselves.  Think about that the next time you are at the beach or looking at a painting of one.

Brian Sylvester is a guest blogger on WallSpin, and an artist on Zatista.

"To Market" by Bonnie Jones on Zatista.com

Yesterday I arrived at my local farmer’s market to find one of my favorite young farmers calling out like a carnival barker. “This is it people! It’s go time! Get it while it’s good!” he shouted, smiling over the fruits (and veggies) of his labor.

"Hot Tomato" by Ann Painter on Zatista.com

I looked around and realized he was speaking the truth (ever earnest, he’s hardly one to spin a yarn). Everywhere I looked crates were stacked high with perfect vegetables, all color and gleam at high noon. Here in Maine where I live the growing season is mercilessly short–June to October more or less–and that means that by mid-August we’re in full harvest mode.

"Radishes" by Konnie Kim on Zatista.com

How could it be? How could the few short weeks of blushing tomatoes and luscious summer melons be upon us already? It’s a stark realization every year, but this year I have a new tactic.

"Peppers" by Tony Dunphy on Zatista.com

Sure, I’m going to stack my freezer high and gear up for some canning, but I’m also going to load up on some harvest art for the “less accommodating” months ahead. That way, at least my eyes can feast on some fresh local veggies when I get the trucked-in-from-California-or-grown-indoors blues. The color will do my place good, too, and remind me that once upon a time I drank iced coffee and wore shorts and worked up a sweat walking bags of fresh produce home in the hot summer sun.

Here in Southern California, the late spring weather has been heavenly –  pulling me outside on most days. It’s the perfect season to take my three year old daughter on walks through the neighborhood. It’s also a great opportunity for both of us to slow down and appreciate nature’s endless marvels.

Chip Etier "Dogwood" zatista.com

From the enthusiastic perspective of a 36″ tall toddler, nearly everything is a treasure to discover and talk about on our walks.

Erin Jones "Curve" zatista.com

Even from my taller vantage point, it’s refreshing to acknowledge all the beauty packed into the details of life.

Michelle Wermuth "Lollipop Lollipop" zatista.com

It is pure pleasure to soak up the sights at close range – butterflies; a carpet of white alyssum; a dandelion.

Jeffrey Hummel "Graine" zatista.com

Back in my grown-up mind, I start envisioning photographs of rocks, flowers and bugs.

Mark Smith "White Moth" zatista.com

In reality the colors are vivid but today I see the world around me through the simplicity of a black and white lens. Next, my mind wanders and imagines plentiful arrangements of framed photographs in rooms like this,

image from Houzz.com

or this,

Image from Houzz.com

or this.

Image from Houzz.com

Now that the weather’s warming up, treat yourself to an outdoor ramble. Move at a slow pace, look where you don’t normally look, and see artful tableaux pop up all around you.

Taylor Gillis "Untitled (1)" zatista.com

If you are inspired by what you see, bring paintings, drawings and photos of these natural wonders into your home and create ways to appreciate the enchantment of the outdoors year-round.