The Forest of Dreams

110cm x 60cm | Acrylic on canvas

Commissioned for the Zero-Zero Treehouse, a treehouse tucked into the Forest of Dean. The brief was to create an abstract forest scene that would bring the magic of nature indoors. I chose to feature a dreamy woodland pond with colourful creatures and fairy-tale wildflowers.

I completed it in three days. It was an intense process, but so worth it.

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The Forest of Dreams hanging on the timber wall of the Zero-Zero Treehouse lobby, beside glass doors opening onto the woods

At home in the treehouse

The lobby of the Zero-Zero Treehouse in the Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dreams now hangs in the main lobby of the treehouse, welcoming guests into the energy of the woods around them, surrounded by timber, glass and the trees outside.

Visit the treehouse

The Zero-Zero Treehouse rising above the woodland canopy, joined by a rope bridge

The timber treehouse with a living green wall, beside a large old tree

The treehouse rope bridge lit with warm lights at night

See the process

Follow the evolution of this painting
from a blank canvas to a dream world.

I completely fell into this painting's world. Although the process at times was very hard, the final piece truly feels reminiscent of a magical forest scene.

The blank canvas covered in loose washes of blue and yellow — Step one: cover the canvas

The base colours blended into a soft teal and yellow glow — Step two: blend base

The first dark tree silhouettes painted at each side — Step three: start building out the world

A dark lake and island added in the middle of the forest — Step four: add more elements. Time for a magical lake

The lake lightened and the foreground prepared for flowers — Step five: prep for the floral forest floor

The first wildflowers painted along the edge of the lake — Step six: flower time! Add wherever your heart desires

The painting on an easel with more flowers filling the forest — Step seven: more & more flowers

The forest scene filling out with layers of plants and trees — Step eight: watch it slowly come together

The finished forest scene, dense with wildflowers — Step nine: admire your work

The finished painting laid flat with its edges painted dark green — Step ten: paint the edge and let dry