Trout Dance Pond by Riga Forbes

This painting is about the magic within small bodies of water, ponds and their ecosystems which are self-contained and wild. It captures the mood of the summer when foliage is lush and green, reflecting into the water, and the fish dance with activity.

‘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.’