Description

The Sycamore Gap Tree or Robin Hood Tree was a sycamore tree standing next to Hadrian’s Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England. It was located in a dramatic dip in the landscape, which was created by glacial meltwater and was a popular photographic subject, described as one of the most photographed trees in the country and an emblem for the North East of England. It derived its alternative name from featuring in a prominent scene in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The tree won the 2016 England Tree of the Year award. It was felled in the early morning of 28 September 2023 in what the authorities described as “an act of vandalism”. The felling of the tree led to an outpouring of anger and sadness. (Wikipedia)

There are lots of atrocities happening in the world, there always has and there always will be. The felling of a tree in a random act of violence doesn’t come close to the loss of life in wars across the world. Known for my tree work on top of a fluid art backgrounds, this was one tree I wanted to paint. I don’t live anywhere near this area in the UK but I wanted to create a painting of this iconic landmark that is no more. The background to this painting is made up of pearl paints which shimmer in blues, silvers and corals creating a dramatic starry night for Sycamore Gap to stand out in silhouette.