The Cycle of the Trees of Life
Oil paintings by Jean Noble
INTERPRETATION
Supporting material
- 1 wall photograph of the artist: (A4 laminated) has an introduction to the exhibition.
- 13 informative wall labels: (A5 laminated) outline the botanical features and ideas behind each painting and its connection with the Celts.
- 12 page (A5) booklet: (for background reading) This contains information on the artist; the text of the 4 interpretive wall panels and the text of 13 labels; plus a list of further reading and places to visit etc. Probably to be given away free.
- 4 interpretive wall panels: (A3 laminated) answer some frequently asked questions about the Cycle of the Trees of Life; Foliate Faces; Celtic Art; and the Celtic Calendar and Alphabet.

- Teacher's notes: (A4 sheet) supplement the 12 page (A5) booklet. There is a simple description of the exhibition; a list of the supporting material, its suitability for different ages, and suggestions for follow-up art activities.
- 1 Folio about the artist: (A2 pages in clear folder) contains 6 large pages of photographs entitled: portrait of the artist; here are some I did earlier; recurring themes; early planning and unusual source material; the brainy stuff; and from drawings to colour.

- 1 Folio of preparatory study drawings. (A3 pages in a clear folder) contains 10 pages of study drawings in pencil, or pen and ink, of trees, leaves, fruit etc.

- Quiz: (A4 sheet) was made up by Kingussie youngsters and has 20 questions about what can be seen in the paintings. There is a separate answer sheet.
- 1 boxed Game of ZOOM: contains 52 ZOOM cards; simple instructions; and 13 answer cards (A7 laminated). Each card has a colour detail of one of the intricate paintings. The challenge is to find the location on the actual painting. Answers are hung below each painting and can be checked by the individual.

Further interpretation (dates and fees to be arranged with the artist)
- Slide talk by the artist on “Where do ideas come from?” This illustrates the parentage, conception and birth of the Trees of Life. Time: about 90 minutes.
- Children's workshop: creating leaf rubbings for foliate masks, crowns, and adding to a changing art-piece “Tree of Life” Suitable for small groups of 8 - 14 year olds. Time 1 - 3 hours.
Iona Gallery, August 2003


View the “Trees of Life” paintings, the Exhibition details, and the Exhibition Offer.