When an artist picks a tree as his subject to paint, he most likely will choose a gnarled and twisted one that has etched into its bark, trunk and branches, its years of weathering–patterns and memories of its winter, spring, summer fun and fall experiences.
An old tree.
The artist wants to capture the ancient tree’s soul: its ruggedness, its determination to live in spite of adversity. There is a beauty in such a tree that younger trees do not yet possess.
The next time that you have a conversation with an old person–a senior, apply the same respect, thoughtfulness and reverence to him as an artist would in his appreciation of an old, weathered tree. See beauty and a hidden strength not common to the more flighty moments. Learn from it.
Albert Schindler 