This past week I’ve started (and finished) a new painting that I’ve had on my mind for a while. It’s my take on the Green Man, a nature spirit who represents the spirit of the trees, plants and all foliage of the woods and forests. He symbolizes the life that is found in the natural plant world, and in the earth itself.
Watch my painting come alive as we explore the Green Man together.
Legend says he has rain making powers to foster livestock with lush meadows and valleys. He exists in English and Celtic folklore as well as many other places such as a pagan deity, and is frequently depicted in medieval art and includes church decorations. In Europe, he is often presented as a man with horns and a mask of green foliage typically of oak tree leaves. The oak tree is considered sacred in the magical world of fairies and enchanted worlds.
Legend says the green man will defend the woods of their forest fiercely, especially their home tree. They often feel the need to personally deal with any who will defile it with littering their forest, out of control fires, deforestation or the like of both which is okay by me. I absolutely hate it when the county road crew comes by with their bush hog on it’s side and just massacre the trees. It makes me want to cry when I think of the damage they have done to the trees by literally ripping the branches, leaves and vines off. That allows disease and bugs easy entry into the tree.
The Green Man is also known as a solitary creature, enjoying every aspect of Nature. Like me, the Green Man is deeply passionate for the great outdoors and wilderness. He is still very much with us today. He is a symbol of the eternal cycle of nature.
Remember the oak leaves are sacred, so I added them in.
Finally, I filled in the spaces I felt needed a more forest look with ferns and leaves.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the Green Man along with me. I just need to add a few finishing touches here and there and this guy will be finished!
Update: I have a video where you can watch me paint Forest Guardian here. The original painting has sold but matted prints are available here in my shop.
Learn more about me on the ‘About’ page in the menu at the top. I’m an artist – a painter mostly and an avid gardener. I paint a variety of subjects including birds, koi fish, my gardens, ponds and flowers as well as anything having to do with nature especially trees and tropical scenes. I also enjoy painting abstracts and have started created more and more of them. My most favorite thing to try to achieve in my painting is is mystery.
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i am a green man fan as you know. it would be a perfect piece next to my mother nature print. absolutely love it, you go girl!
I figured you were a fan Patti! But really, who wouldn’t be… I love the idea of a nature spirit protecting the woods and forests. All things mysterious and magical are things I get into and my art reflects that, I hope!
You are right, he would look great next to Mother Nature! I may have to paint another version… and maybe a series of the Green Man because he has a new home already! Yep, he is sold. Thanks for commenting Patti, you know you are often a catalyst for my painting ideas. Love ya!