Beyond the Hedgerow is a 30 x 30 x 1.5 inches oil painting impression of the view through an April hedgerow across fields to a lake beyond. The background of the painting shows green meadows and trees and a glimpse of a lake between them. The foreground shows a knot of brambles, blossom and spring foliage that are painted in a semi-abstract impressionist style. The painting was inspired by a walk I took near Bewl Water in Sussex. I like the feeling of being able to see something alluring but of having to be able to get to it (analogous to life generally, I think). Hedgerows always fascinate me – especially the really ancient ones, as they consist of many kinds of flora and fauna and are vital habitats for birds and animals. They act as both barriers and protection, and I have tried to show this dual purpose – to a walker it hurts to go through them, but as someone who loves wildlife and landscapes I love them! Painted on deep-edge canvas, white edges, ready to hang.
