Eucalyptus 4, Woodside
8x10 original oil painting
There are more than 700 species of Eucalyptus, but only 15 species occur outside of Australia. In the 1850s, Eucalyptus trees were introduced to California by Australians during the California Gold Rush. It was hoped that they would provide a renewable source of timber for construction and railroad ties. The wood was found to be unsuitable, so instead Eucalyptus trees were used as wind breaks in many rural areas.
My painting shows a Eucalyptus grove off of Canada Road. I was attracted to the white bark on the tree contrasting with the dark trees in the background.
