A larch tree in a clear wood

My December tree has to be the larch. It sheds its golden spineleaves onto the ground, making a carpet underneath. At least, that's what is written. I tried to find one in my local Victorian parks, on National Trust properties withour result. They are common but mostly to be found on plantations. They are not the nicest looking of trees in winter. Some even thought they died off. Crammed together, it just looks like trunk and sticks. Yet, if you find one growing apart, they have a delightful shape. Its branches curve out, down and upwards. I hope I can see one in late summer/autumn. Its branches hold male flowers and female cone roses. Then, their green leaves turn a reddish golden colour before falling. It's the only deciduous pine tree in the UK.

I still can't paint trees, yet does it matter? The magic of paint takes over. I love this painting. It intrigues me. What am I? Where am I? Inviting me to enter the scene. Friends like the colours. So do I.

The last two paintings in the progress shots are not strictly progress shots. I include them here because I used the left over palette paints to make them. I have used them as a Christmas and a birthday card. I'm jolly happy with them too. They are a puzzle too.