Above: Forest of Luffness 11. Oil on 30×30″ canvas. Rose Strang 2025

More work today on the latest painting, I wanted more of a sense of mystery in the forest background so I simplfied it considerably and darkened it, with very little light. I also blured the edges of the male figure somewhat to bring the female figure and baby into focus.

I want to emphasise the cycle of life – birth to aging and death, not to make us all feel depressed but to express the what we bring to each of these experiences. Emma’s focus is entirely on her new born baby, there’s the strength of motherhood. With Richard Demarco there’s a complete presence – he’s attending to every aspect of the place and what it has to say to him, also how it speaks to his spirituality.

I like the way the bright leaves of spring highlight Emma’s arrival into the painting. In short, I’m glad I woke up, took a look at my painting, had a bit of a hissy fit and changed it up a bit!