BigTreesArt has received its inspiration for this art medium from the product development work and very successful introduction by Irene Feil of Modoc County. In the mid-1970’s, Irene and her husband Emerson visited local Saw Milling operations of that day, where they discovered what were “scrap pieces” of Ponderosa Pine log trimmings called “slabs.” Emerson would cut, plane, sand and seal these pieces (with the bark on both sides), and Irene would then create unique nature-scene (vertical panoramic) oil-paintings. Over the years, Irene says “I sold as many of these “one-of-a-kind” art-pieces as Emerson could prepare. To inspire other artists in this simple but very attractive 3D art, BigTreesArt still has one of Irene’s final paintings before she retired her oils.
3D Effect – Between Two Trees: Irene created each scene from the viewpoint of looking between two Big Trees! This unique, 3D effect built upon the unique characteristics and painting space of each art-wood-piece. Knot-holes in the heart-wood surface were used as they naturally appeared in the piece, and she built upon this by painting a log that extended into the foreground, while sometimes placing an animal inside or around the knot-hole. Other natural wood imperfections, like worm-holes, wood cracks or decayed Bark or Sapwood areas would become foreground tree branches, bird nests and wood-pecker holes. Irene found that this natural art medium had endless unique opportunities and opened her creative capabilities in a different way with each piece… Every piece created a new adventure in nature oils and acrylics. Irene was also very successful painting directly on the Urethane base after applying a coat of a “clear Jesso.” This natural wood effect retained the wood-grain and imperfections in the background.