Holly Grove Shelters the Nightingale by Riga Forbes

This painting focuses on the loss of habitat for nightingale birds in the UK. It is about the interconnectedness of nature and the symbiotic relationships between trees, plants, and creatures. It is a painting that celebrates the diversity and sanctuary within woodland spaces.

‘I paint landscapes which express my somatic, emotional experience of being within the natural world and responding to its power, fragility, and temporality. Essentially, my work is about being in relationship with nature. My painting process involves invention and memory as well as finding inspiration by sketching and taking photographs outdoors before I begin painting in the studio. I work in oils because I love the brilliance and transparency of colour in oil paint. I want my work to convey a passionate sense of connection with the natural world, as a sanctuary for the human spirit.’