‘Retrenchment’, monoprint, pigmented filler, pencil and acrylic, 71x100cm

One-off monoprint — only one available

“Retrenchment” in arboricultural terms describes the gradual adaptation of a tree in older age — the lowering of branches towards the ground, particularly characteristic of mature oaks.

This piece centres on that quiet architectural shift.

The horizontal boughs of this mature oak form the structural heart of the composition, their weight and reach echoing the tree’s slow recalibration over time. The title derives directly from this phenomenon.

There is particular emphasis here on the added dimension provided by the pigmented filler. The process requires additional PVA and priming of the paper, followed by sanding and cleaning once dry, before further printing and painting can take place. The sculpted surface — shaped before the filler sets — determines much of the final detail in the bark and lichen textures.

During the later stages of the work, I tend to move away from the original photographic reference, allowing the material and surface to guide the resolution of the piece.

I also owe thanks to Bobby for his watchful eye during this stage 😺 [see additional images].

This tree belongs to a small group found near the river in the northern section of Bovey Valley Woods, towards Lustleigh — all distinguished by their low-hanging, retrenching boughs.