Selected by the Neighbourhood Gallery for display within the ‘Evolving Horizons’ exhibition featuring contemporary landscapes by North West artists, 'Rooted - Bramble' is one of a growing collection recalling walks with my daughter. It documents my navigation of life as a new parent by exploring unfamiliar routes through our local landscape, rooting myself and forming friendships in the process. Each walk over the course of a year offers a different quality of light, and this quiet frosty path was a calm respite. Winter scenes are frequently cool in tone with a certain stillness, but I was struck by the beautiful richness of colour and the dominance of the frosty brambles tumbling towards and, over time, seeking to block the route forwards.

Working with acrylics, I apply paint in thin layers, gradually adding texture towards the concluding stages of a piece and with a playful use of colour to reflect the tendency of details to fade with time. With paintings of this size taking between 20 and 30 hours, each is a labour of love.

‘Rooted - Bramble’, Marple, Acrylic painting on board, 24.4cm x 25.4cm, with 5cm mount

Lime wood frame, with art glass (UV protection, low reflective) and hanging fixings included

£480

Enquires email: rachael@rachaelmerrisonart.co.uk

Private view (free ticketed event): 1830 - 2130, Thursday 5 October 2023

Opening hours: 0930 - 1730 Wednesdays - Sundays (closed Mondays - Tuesdays) between Friday 6 - Saturday 28 October 2023

Unit 23, Stanley Square, Sale, M33 7WZ