Acrylic on paper, 12″x16″

New Mexico is full of Russian olive trees. They are native to Europe and Asia, and were imported with government approval into the states for use in erosion control, windbreaks and wildlife enhancement. They were chosen because these trees will grow where no other tree will grow. There is controversy now because they grow like weeds, and they are now a problem with crowding out the native plants. As well, they require large amounts of water which is not good for drought prone areas. Nonetheless, the leaves are a soft, sage color, and they give off a sweet, pungent aroma when blooming. This was a beautiful spring day in a friend’s garden with the wind in the olive tree.