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Tree Paintings for Sale

In painting, just as in poetry, trees bend but do not break. They offer an array of symbolism: the tree of life, of knowledge, the world's axis and symbol of evolution. They are an omnipresent figure, constant throughout the shifting eras and dominating canvases with their overwhelming grandeur. Trees are as compelling to painters as they are to viewers, seeming to extend their branches almost into the heavens.

For a long time, the tree was only represented as a biblical symbol, the catalyst in the fall of man. Later, in classical paintings, the tree was often relegated to a background object, serving only to prop up other, more important subjects, although some artists like Poussin did make them the focus. Cézanne's The Great Pine, however, is perhaps the best example of a composition entirely dedicated to the tree as a subject, they fill the frame with solid trunks and thick, twisting branches. In a landscape, trees are a sign of splendour and power, towering over the tiny figures of men. In Rubens' The Tempest, they are almost threatening.   

The splendour of trees in paintings is greatly affected by the arrangement of the rest of the composition. Sometimes trees seems to support the canvas, marking out the confines of the space. Many painters use trees to give an indication of perspective and depth in the canvas, such as Hodler's Autumn Evening. Trees can also be used to give an indication of where the painting is set: palm trees indicate an exotic setting, lending the canvases an edge of luxury and excitement – as seen in the work of Douanier Rousseau.  

The tree can also serve as a metaphor, signifying strength, rootedness, and a sort of natural power that – like even the strongest man – can still end up broken. Anselm Kieffer painted his canvas Varus in memory of the atrocities suffered by Germany in the 20th century; the composition depicts a bloodied forest in reference to the Roman war featured in Tacitus' Germania. The tree can also stand as a symbol for the ceaseless changing of the seasons, often placed in parallel to the human cycle of life. While Hokusai honoured the magnificent cherry blossoms of his native Japan, Monet repeatedly painted his gardens at Giverny, often under the bright light of full summer. Autumn, with its shimmering colours, crisp light, and myriad textures, is an unfailing source of inspiration for artists. Most recently artists have taken to abstracting the form of trees, stripping them back to their most basic elements, like in the works of Raoul Dufy.


In contemporary art, the motif of a tree is most often found in sculpture and installation art because it's so easy to translate into three dimensional media. Traditional art has yet to let trees go, though, and you need to look no further than Mondrian's canvases to see that trees remain a vital element of art history. Browse Artsper's collection of art centred around trees.

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Painting, Trails, Boris Serdyuk

Trails

Boris Serdyuk

Painting - 70 x 80 x 2 cm Painting - 27.6 x 31.5 x 0.8 inch

$620

Painting, Cold air, Galya Popova

Cold air

Galya Popova

Painting - 80 x 100 x 2 cm Painting - 31.5 x 39.4 x 0.8 inch

$3,393

Painting, Glow, Pavlenko Leonid

Glow

Pavlenko Leonid

Painting - 100 x 60 x 2 cm Painting - 39.4 x 23.6 x 0.8 inch

$760

Painting, Automne, Xiu

Automne

Xiu

Painting - 45 x 150 x 1 cm Painting - 17.7 x 59.1 x 0.4 inch

$1,638

Painting, Au village, Pierrick Tual

Au village

Pierrick Tual

Painting - 46 x 55 x 2 cm Painting - 18.1 x 21.7 x 0.8 inch

$1,404

Painting, Myst 379, Nagsoul

Myst 379

Nagsoul

Painting - 50 x 65 cm Painting - 19.7 x 25.6 inch

$1,170

Painting, Infinity 2, Liubou Sas

Infinity 2

Liubou Sas

Painting - 20 x 20 x 0.5 cm Painting - 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.2 inch

$889

Painting, Surfspot, Peter de Boer

Surfspot

Peter de Boer

Painting - 100 x 100 x 2 cm Painting - 39.4 x 39.4 x 0.8 inch

$3,861

Painting, Les bouleaux, Eurgal

Les bouleaux

Eurgal

Painting - 40 x 40 x 2.5 cm Painting - 15.7 x 15.7 x 1 inch

$1,404

Painting, Paysages de Chine 33, Xiu

Paysages de Chine 33

Xiu

Painting - 120 x 40 x 1 cm Painting - 47.2 x 15.7 x 0.4 inch

$1,638

Painting, Hot Day, Andrii Chebotaru

Hot Day

Andrii Chebotaru

Painting - 95 x 119.9 x 2.5 cm Painting - 37.4 x 47.2 x 1 inch

$4,300

Painting, Angel, Andrii Chebotaru

Angel

Andrii Chebotaru

Painting - 99.8 x 115.1 x 2.5 cm Painting - 39.3 x 45.3 x 1 inch

$4,500

Painting, May, Boris Serdyuk

May

Boris Serdyuk

Painting - 60 x 90 x 2 cm Painting - 23.6 x 35.4 x 0.8 inch

$620

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Painting, No Need To Hide, tizlu

No Need To Hide

tizlu

Painting - 40 x 40 x 1.5 cm Painting - 15.7 x 15.7 x 0.6 inch

$1,638

Fine Art Drawings, We Need You!, tizlu

We Need You!

tizlu

Fine Art Drawings - 60 x 40 x 1.5 cm Fine Art Drawings - 23.6 x 15.7 x 0.6 inch

$1,872

Need help with Tree Paintings ?
What are some famous tree paintings in art history?
Some of the most famous tree paintings in art history include Vincent van Gogh's "The Mulberry Tree," Claude Monet's "Poplars," and Gustav Klimt's "Birch Forest." These paintings showcase the beauty and majesty of trees in different styles and techniques.
How do artists capture the essence of trees in their paintings?
Artists capture the essence of trees in their paintings by observing the unique characteristics of each tree, such as its shape, texture, and color. They also consider the lighting and atmosphere surrounding the tree to create a realistic and emotive representation. Through careful observation and technique, artists can convey the beauty and majesty of trees in their paintings.