“Tree Exhilarations” at the Dolphin Gallery

“Tree Exhilarations” • The Art of Kristen Palm

In February, Kristen Palm brings her vision inspired by the beauty of the upper midwest to the Dolphin Gallery in Gualala. The exhibit, “Tree Exhilarations” will do just that. Inspire, brighten any day, and raise the spirits as if the viewer, too, was standing among the trees, within her images. The exhibit opens Saturday, February 12, and continues through March 6, 2022. Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Kristen Palm is quick to tell us her mission: “I paint trees. I live in the wooded Minnesota hills near Lake Superior, and I draw my inspiration from the trees that surround me on my daily hiking, biking, paddling, skiing or snowshoeing treks. I have enjoyed working and hiking in many of the National Parks in the Western U.S.”

Initially introduced to the giant Redwoods in Northern California as a child, Palm has frequently returned to soak in their majesty and grandeur. “My entire life I’ve gravitated towards being among the trees which draw me onto the trails, away from my “to-do” lists and into the natural world. Here I step out of my own little whirlwind and recognize my place in the vast expanse of Nature. Here I am simultaneously calm and inspired. Out in the trees I find my own strength while acknowledging the greater strength that surrounds me.“

Although she paints trees, Kristen Palm does not consider herself a landscape artist. “The trees inform my art by framing the 2-dimensional, often geometric elements on my canvas. Giving equal weight to the positive and negative space by keeping my color values similar and my hues bright, my work focuses on shape, movement and primarily color.  Thus, as abstractions, the trees I paint become symbols for the strength, beauty, generosity, community spirit and tenacity of all trees. My hope is that my paintings will be a joyful reminder to respect, uphold, listen to and treasure the amazing trees that grace our world.”

“Tree Exhilarations” continues through March 6 at Dolphin Gallery, 39114 Ocean Drive, Cypress Village, Gualala, California, 95445. (707) 884-3896.