Artwork copyright Bet Borgeson. Photo courtesy of the artist.

The Fox and the Old Tree, 1993

Bet Borgeson
American (born 1940)

Location: Stevens Elementary School, Spokane

About the Artwork

The Fox and the Old Tree is a colored pencil drawing by artist Bet Borgeson. It is part of her body of work that tell stories using animals, plants, and the landscape imagery. She calls this kind of composition “open narrative,” introducing story-like elements while leaving the exact meaning open for interpretation. She suggests that this piece is a meditation on change. The landscape seems to be in transition between summer and fall. The bluffs in the background and the exposed roots of the old tree show how time changes the landscape. She notes, “Were this a fable the old tree and the fox might be engaged in a conversation, with the tree perhaps cautioning the fox that he too--for all his speed and cleverness--will not elude life's changes.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Spokane Public Schools.

About the Artist

Bet Borgeson creates richly detailed colored pencil drawings. She teaches art and has published several books on colored pencil techniques.