1983–86
The Catalpa Tree Branch drawings began from Ryan’s close study of branching structures. After cutting several limbs from a tree in his Chicago yard, he mounted them so they could be observed and drawn from multiple viewpoints. Each drawing was made on sheets of vellum in four different sizes, then pinned to the back surface of the frame. This method allows the works to extend beyond the page, giving the drawings a more physical presence while preserving the immediacy of direct observation. Together, the series reflects on growth, interconnectedness, and the subtle patterns found in nature.
Installation at Rockford Art Museum
![[CTB1] Catalpa Tree Branch Study 1, 1985-86 graphite on vellum Paper size: 48 x 31 in (121.92 x 78.74 cm) Framed: 50 x 33.5 x 2 in (127.0 x 85.09 x 5.08 cm)](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c9f52bd8-ba8a-4d6d-a8ad-7632647eb9b1/d0d553f3-15a9-485a-a404-6cb090fafa0c_rw_3840.jpg?h=e7ef34d9d6d83ff8a9fca24d2e1cba9a)
[CTB1] Catalpa Tree Branch Study 1, 1985-86 graphite on vellum Paper size: 48 x 31 in (121.92 x 78.74 cm) Framed: 50 x 33.5 x 2 in (127.0 x 85.09 x 5.08 cm)
![[CTB2] Catalpa Tree Branch Study 2, 1985-86 graphite on vellum Paper size: 48 x 31 in (121.92 x 78.74 cm) Framed: 50 x 33.5 x 2 in (127.0 x 85.09 x 5.08 cm)](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c9f52bd8-ba8a-4d6d-a8ad-7632647eb9b1/322f0798-260d-40cf-8b98-7f08ab69ce8e_rw_3840.jpg?h=b5dd8e5c8642f05568032247650302b7)