Joan Willsher-Martel Canadian, 1925-2017

Joan Willsher-Martel’s Tree VII, painted in 1972, is a striking example of abstract art, rendered in watercolour on paper. Measuring 19 x 20.25 inches and displayed under museum glass, this piece is signed and dated in the bottom right corner.

The painting presents an abstract interpretation of a tree, where traditional forms and details are transformed into bold, expressive shapes and fluid lines. Willsher-Martel’s use of watercolour creates a harmonious blend of colours and textures, evoking the essence of the tree rather than a literal representation. The composition is marked by a dynamic interplay of hues and shapes, which suggests the tree’s presence and movement in an abstract manner.

Tree VII exemplifies Willsher-Martel’s innovative approach to capturing the natural world through abstraction. The piece invites viewers to engage with the artwork on an emotional level, appreciating the tree’s symbolic and visual impact rather than its physical details.