Camphor Tree - Leaves and Berries

Earlier this year we had to remove a large Camphor tree we had growing in the backyard.  It provided a lot of shade which helped block the south-western sun from higher temperatures in the sunroom and kitchen.  Unfortunately, the roots of this tree and a Magnolia in the back have caused damage to our septic drain field so we had to have both taken down.  

The one major drawback to the Camphor tree was the leaves that would come down with storms as well as the berries being toxic to humans and pets.  Lani was notorious for mouthing or picking up everything from stones to mulch, which made us nervous every time we took her out back.  Now we have Sadie and like Lani, wants to pick everything up.  

We do miss the shade though as well as lower electric bills.

I worked this illustration first in my sketchbook.  Then worked it on the Ipad without blending and with blending just for the practice and variation.