Bahrain: The Misterious Tree of Life
- Ms. Mila Vasconcelos
- Feb 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 15
The Tree of Life In Bahrain: The Story Behind This Centenary Natural Element
World Curriculum - By Ms. Mila Vasconcelos
There’s something profoundly humbling about standing before a tree that has defied the odds for centuries. When I first arrived in Bahrain, with the desire to explore this new country that I was about to call home, one of my first adventures was to visit the legendary Tree of Life. I took my brother along, and together, we appreciated the resilience of this natural wonder, standing tall and full of life in the middle of the arid desert.
The Tree of Life, or Shajarat-al-Hayat, is an approximately 400-year-old mesquite tree, thriving without any visible water source. It stands alone in the Bahraini desert, miles away from any other greenery, which makes its survival almost mythical. Some believe its roots reach an underground water reservoir, while others attribute its existence to mystical or divine forces. Locals even connect it to the biblical Garden of Eden, adding layers of legend and spiritual significance to its presence.
Walking around this magnificent tree, my brother and I couldn’t help but feel its history—the stories it has witnessed, the travelers it has shaded, and the changing landscapes of Bahrain over the centuries. The way its branches stretched wide against the vast sky, as if embracing the entire desert, felt both powerful and peaceful. The golden hues of the sand at sunset made the scene even more magical, reinforcing the feeling that this wasn’t just an ordinary tree—it was a symbol of endurance, mystery, and beauty.
Visiting the Tree of Life at the beginning of my journey in Bahrain made me appreciate not only the country’s natural wonders but also its deep-rooted blend of history, culture, and mythology. It set the tone for my years here, reminding me that, like the tree, I was about to grow and adapt in a new environment, finding my own hidden sources of strength. And all those experiences should be connected to my new teaching experience. The lesson that I will share below was my first "Bahraini" lesson and I am so proud of my students with each result. Let's get started!
Back to the Art Room: What Do We Do?
Inspired by the many photographs of the Tree of Life, our lesson focuses on how light, color and contrast transform the way we perceive an object at different times of the day. The Tree of Life in Bahrain is a natural wonder, and it is a striking subject of artistic study because of how the sky’s changing colors create different moods, atmospheres, and visual effects.
1. Observing Light & Color in Photography
We began by analyzing a series of photographs of the Tree of Life taken at different times—sunrise, midday, sunset, and night—noticing how the colors shift from warm to cool, vibrant to muted, and bright to shadowed.
Students discussed how these natural color variations affect mood and perception and how artists use color theory to create similar effects in paintings.
We reviewed negative and positive space in each image, noticing how the silhouette of the tree stands out against the sky, creating contrast and depth.
2. Creating Gradient Studies & Experimenting with Light
Before starting the final piece, students created small watercolor gradient studies, practicing:
Smooth transitions from cool blues to warm oranges and purples to mimic different sky conditions.
Wet-on-wet blending for a soft, natural glow.
Layering techniques to create richer and deeper backgrounds.
We discussed how shadows and highlights affect the way we see a subject and how to balance positive and negative space to make the tree visually striking.
3. Painting the Tree of Life: Silhouette & Detail Work
Once students finalized their background studies, they chose a gradient that resonated most with them and applied it as the sky in their final composition.
Using black ink or dark watercolor, they painted the Tree of Life as a strong silhouette, ensuring that the contrast between light and shadow made the composition dynamic.
Some students experimented with a soft, fading effect, while others used detailed brushwork to emphasize the texture of the branches and roots.
4. Negative & Positive Space Exploration
To push the visual impact, students were encouraged to add an inverse version of their tree on a smaller test piece—switching the light areas for dark and dark areas for light to see how contrast affects perception.
Some students chose to incorporate gold or metallic accents to highlight areas where the light catches the tree’s bark or desert sand, creating a luminous effect.
5. Reflection & Discussion
As a final step, students presented their pieces and reflected on:
How their chosen gradient influenced the mood of their painting.
How the positive and negative space balance affected their composition.
How light and color helped create depth, contrast, and atmosphere in their work.
By focusing on light, color theory, and the balance of negative and positive space, students were able to see how the same subject can be transformed simply by the way it is framed, painted, and illuminated—just as the Tree of Life in Bahrain changes with every passing moment.
Ms. Mila Vasconcelos
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