Page 40 - BSAM 2016 Q3

Another iconic shape is that of the African baobab (Adansonia digitata). Extraordinary large trunks support a rather disorderly arrangement of primary and secondary branches. Primary and secondary branches mainly grow upwards, but will eventually be forced to curve gently downwards by their massive weight. eir size and shape is very dominant and dwarfs everything around them.
Open spaces: Trees in Africa grow in wide open areas. e landscapes portray these uninterrupted views of trees growing in vast open spaces. e trees and natural objects around them are simple and un- cluttered.
Perspective: African trees are mostly seen from a distant perspective. Trees are portrayed with slender trunks, without severe taper. e canopies are open with clear areas of negative space. Deadwood detail is not very well de ned and the nebari not prominent. e vastness of the plains, the lack of easy access and the possible presence of dangerous wild animals in and around the tree are responsible for this.
Top and Second row; African baobab
Middle left; Flat top form Middle right and bottom row;
Umbrella form
38 | BCI | July/August/September 2016