Among Branches, Watercolor, and Memories: My First Outdoor Watercolor at Parque das Caraibeiras
My expectations were high. It was spring, and many of the trees were already in bloom. Even so, I felt a slight flutter of anxiety: what if I did not find them? The flowering period of the species is brief, so I knew there was a risk of missing the right moment. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened. I would have loved to describe the yellow light that should have radiated through that place. Still, I can say that it was beautiful, even though I did not find all the flowers or the glow I had been waiting for.
I observed the blossoms around me and rested my back against the roots of a large tree. I paused, looked around once more, and spotted a tree with a few flowers. I could admire it from where I was sitting while having breakfast with my mother, who had prepared a delicious picnic.
There were flowers, but the blooming was no longer complete; many had already fallen. I believe I will return, but because I need to travel in order to make the entire journey, I will have to wait until the beginning of next month. Unfortunately, that will make it even harder to catch the “right” moment.
Even without the intense glow I had been hoping for, surprise was still one of the feelings that emerged in that place. The last time I had visited the park, the surprise came from finding the stream asleep, and the main characters were two trees growing within the stream—not completely submerged, but with part of their structures standing inside it. This time, one of those trees was lying on the ground. It was the very tree I had photographed up close and mentioned because of the hollow inside its trunk, which could provide shelter for animals now that the stream was dry and serve as a passage for small fish during the season of its awakening.
When I saw the scene, I stopped for a moment, trying to understand what had happened. Had someone cut it down? I asked myself that immediately, but then I remembered that the tree had seemed very old and that its inner structure was already quite fragile.
At this moment, the tree that grew alongside the other one, which still remains standing, now has a large part of its structure stretching across the passage that, in a few months, will be covered by water. Its base and roots still remain beside the other trunk that is standing and, perhaps, with intertwined roots that have grown together over time and may have strengthened one another, helping them endure the periods spent in the water.
After this reflection, I turned my attention back to the tree that was in bloom and covered with leaves. However, it also had some particular features. Its trunk was very similar to that of the fallen tree. Some branches had the same texture, but right at the front, one branch emerged full of life. It was precisely this branch that supported the entire canopy and all the flowers that were there.
At that moment, I realized that this, too, was an old tree.
I began making the first lines and, soon afterward, gently started applying brushstrokes, adding watercolor to the entire drawing. I record here my first experience painting with watercolor outdoors. The experience was incredible, even during the visit from the ox, who appeared without warning. Or rather, I was the one who was there without warning, since that is his territory. When I first noticed his presence, he was quite far away, and because I was so immersed in my observation, I only realized that he had moved when he was already nearby. But everything was peaceful, and he soon wandered off in search of the little plants he so eagerly chewed and ruminated on.
We stayed for about two hours and then returned along an incredible trail, full of curves, slopes, flowering umbu trees, and a pleasant sense of calm, as we were far from the highway. And although there were many trees with few or no leaves, along the way we also encountered many trees with beautiful, full canopies, which helped soften the heat.
And what did I take away from this expedition, besides the calories burned? If I tried to list everything, I am certain I would not be able to include it all, but the main lessons were: discovering new paths, experiencing a moment of pause, reflection, and presence, as well as enjoying quality time with my mother. Without distractions, everything at our own pace and, most importantly, I returned feeling whole and ready to begin my week.
And you, dear reader, when was the last time you allowed yourself to experience an unhurried pause, have breakfast outdoors, or do something without pressure or expectations?
Perhaps your own Parque das Caraibeiras is just around the corner, or even in your own backyard.
Comments