By C. F. Lawrenson
An old, abandoned, apple orchard inspired this painting, and its title does not refer just to the storm clouds or the red winged blackbirds. It also refers to the hand of man. The decaying trees represent just a remnant of the old orchard that once thrived here. Several generations of people have probably worked this land and passed on. Now these trees are gradually becoming part of the cycle of life, as nature's pioneer plants are sprouting up to reclaim this field.