LEAF 5323

All the leaves come from my neighborhood in Gilbert, Arizona. In my area, there are two trees that produce the leaves you are looking at. For about two months in the winter, these green leaves turn a beautiful red, yellow, brown and black.
In the mornings I walk with my dog “Boo” and we collect the leaves that are ready to drop off the tree or have just fallen. They are not at my house but I have permission from one of the tree’s owners to collect them (I give her one of these paintings).
Back at my house, I microwave them on both sides (this keeps the colors or otherwise they turn a dark brown). I then put them through a flattening process that takes about a week. When this part of the process is done the leaves get a “crystal clear enamel finish” that is applied by a spray. After they dry (a few hours), I sort them into similar piles and save them for later when I create the image. I buy canvas panels of various sizes, apply a background and then glue the finished leaves to the panel. If I frame them I use something called a “spacer” which is a term for a framing product that keeps the leaves away from the glass.
I hope you enjoy the image. It is something unique. Everyone is different so know you have a “one of a kind.” Each one has its own number. The number is on the back of the piece (you will see a photo that was taken of the back of the panel).
I ask only one thing and it is optional. If you hang or display the piece could you, please send me an image of it hanging or displayed. You can text it to me at 480-227-8157 or email it to me at [email protected]. All this information is also on the back of the piece.
Enjoy, Andy