Yew tree bark

Yew December 2012

I had to choose an English native tree so this is a yew from the churchyard at the end of our road.  I studied its folklore and visited it several times.  The bark really is this colour, but becomes red when wet.  In my inexperience I planned too large a picture and got tired of the bark, much preferring the twig and berries.   I like the trompe l'oeil effect of the twig.  

I used coloured pencil on a pastel underwash.  I am not thrilled with it but I always learn from the process.