This is a beautiful scene of the river tweed by June Bell using oils, wax and metal leaf to depict the woods along the tweed in the Scottish Borders region of the UK. The painting measures 50cm x70cm on its board and 54cm x74cm framed. The frame is dark brown wood approximately 5cm deep. The painting is unglazed.

June was born and brought up in the Scottish Borders, with its ancient abbeys and castles, she has always been drawn to places that evoke a sense of the past. Old trees and woodland inspire a feeling of mystery, as do overgrown buildings that carry an air of abandonment. An interest in the human form is not focused on capturing a likeness but rather on conveying mood or an impression of beauty.

Encaustic painting on wax allows her to express the impression of age and weathering in old buildings and tree bark, thanks to its rough texture and layered effect. Meanwhile, collage and water-soluble paints provide a lightness and precision that prove useful in depicting plant life. Both sets of materials are utilized, though never within the same piece. Working on a fairly large scale, her art tends to be striking and primarily naturalistic.

Numerous influences shape her work, including her Christian faith. Having spent several years in Africa and Thailand, she brings a unique perspective to their art. Though the works of Tolkien were discovered later in life, his writing has been a source of inspiration. Drawn to medieval artists such as Fra Angelico, she finds Botticelli’s work particularly beautiful. Contemporary artists who influence them include Victoria Crowe and Bruce Herman.