Woodlands in Autumn are magical and atmospheric spaces. There is a crispness in the air and I love the sumptuous colours of the leaves as they lose their chlorophyll and transform from shades of green to russets and golds, and particularly here in Devon, take on tinges of violet. The gentle rustling of the wind through the trees creates a peaceful soundtrack that drowns out the worries of the world. Deer and the other denizens of the wood appear as fleeting apparitions as they prepare for harsher weather. Autumnal Spirits is an original painting that attempts to capture the colours and atmosphere of such places and was made using numerous layers of highly pigmented oil paint on a hand stretched and triple primed canvas.