Trout Rise on the Windrush

Oil on Board, 10 x 14 inches

Just before sunset on the River Windrush near Burford, and there were clouds of mayflies everywhere, providing a feast for the Brown Trout beneath the surface.  The balmy stillness was punctuated by the swish of water as the fish rose, catching the hapless insects as they drifted downstream.

I actually painted this one back in June at Patchings Art Festival, only now completing it back in the studio.  Having mentioned how relatively simple it is to paint still water, this was more challenging, with quite a lot of movement breaking up the reflections, but I got there in the end, paying close attention to the colour shifts throughout and placing a ring of swirled water where a Trout rose for yet another snack.