‘This Hawthorn near my home fascinates me. I've painted it in different seasons from different sides, in watercolour on the spot and then large scale oils in the studio. The trunk and main branches of a mature hawthorn carry all the scars, cracks and creases which register the history of its gyrating struggle for survival. Next time you are passing a hawthorn in the hedgerow, stop and take a good look at it, and through it. Go up close. Don't be too shy to bend down as well, and let your eye dwell on the structures formed by the branches and by the interesting shapes produced between. Some of the effects thus seen can resemble the linear contrasts of stained glass window designs.’

Brian Nolan