Badgworthy Water
Click through the gallery below to discover two artists’ responses to the woods on the fringe of the moor
The woods at Badgworthy Water (Exmoor National Park) contain starkly-contrasting oak and conifer plantations. The oak trees have been managed for centuries to provide bark for tanning and charcoal for use as fuel and for iron smelting. When such uses declined some of the trees were felled and replanted with conifers. The surviving oak woods are home to birds including the pied flycatcher and the wood warbler
Badgworthy Water, Tim Craven 
Badgworthy Water, Tim Craven
Badgworthy Oak Wood, Exmoor
Oil on canvas, 25 x 40 cm
When discussing her artistic approach, Philippa Beale explains: ‘My function is not to record particular trees. It is instead to find new and original ways of painting.’ She continues to be inspired by trees and recognizes their immense importance. ‘Trees have inspired temples, cathedrals and deities. They provide shelter, harbour nature in all its forms and in a real sense keep us alive.’
When discussing her artistic approach, Philippa Beale explains: ‘My function is not to record particular trees. It is instead to find new and original ways of painting.’
The artist continues to be inspired by trees and recognizes their immense importance. ‘Trees have inspired temples, cathedrals and deities. They provide shelter, harbour nature in all its forms and in a real sense keep us alive.’
This preparatory drawing gives an insight into how Beale develops the composition for her paintings.
Badgworthy Water
Watercolour, 50 x 68 cm
In response to the question ‘Why do I paint trees?’ Tim Craven says: ‘I have always been drawn to the optical fuzz of organic pattern and the spatial thrill and complexity of trees as an abstract subject. The strong verticals and diagonals of their trunks, branches and foliage give an infinite variety of form through the seasons. I also claim their Romantic associations, rich art-historical legacy and profound connections with the human condition.’
This photograph of the trees at Badgworthy Water gives a sense of the landscape which inspired Craven to create this painting.
Gallery
This exhibition was supported by
