Bellever Cottages, Dartmoor

Oil on board. 64.5 x 55 cm (framed)

Dartmoor is Rachel's place for peace and solace. Whenever she visits, she walks along the river through the forest near this little group of cottages at Bellever, tucked into one of the most beautiful corners of the moor. This painting captures that feeling of escape: wide skies, open hills and a quiet that settles over you.

The sky sweeps across in broad, energetic strokes of pale blue, grey and white, as if the wind is moving the clouds as you watch. Below, dark hills in deep navy and plum are lit with flashes of lime where the sun breaks through. The row of white cottages sits snugly at the foot of the hill, and in front of them the fields glow in vivid emerald, lime and teal, crossed by a dark band of hedges dotted with white, like sheep grazing or wildflowers in the grass.

For Rachel, this painting is also a celebration of her joy of colour. Rather than painting the moor in muted browns and greys, she let the colours sing: vivid greens, bright limes and rich blues. The oil paint is applied thickly and freely, so the whole scene feels alive with light and movement, and it's bright, joyful and energising to look at.

It's a painting for anyone who loves Dartmoor, wild open spaces, or simply needs a lift. Framed in white wood and ready to hang, it would bring energy and colour to any space in your home .