Borders

Forster’s work on the borders charts the geographic meander of a Scottish river.  The nonchalant flock of sheep invite the viewer to look across the panorama, noting the sprinkling of trees in the middle distance.  In contrast to this peaceful scene, the cloud composition suggests something more wild; the high winds drag the nimbus along, indicating the untamed nature of the Borders’ landscape.  The rich heritage of the Borders is brought to life by the famous writer and poet Sir Walter Scott, in his poem ‘The Ride to Melrose’

“O swiftly can speed my dapple-gray steed, which drinks of the Teviot clear;
Ere break of day,’ the warrior ‘gan say, ‘Again will I be here “.

The Artist’s own impressions of this scene are vivid; ‘I hoped to portray a more gentle landscape; often one of the least well-known and appreciated areas of Great Britain.  I had the Tweed in mind while painting this image.  A key feature of the work is the cast of the shadow over the painting suggesting a high wind and unsettled weather. Another feature is the oxbow lake, describing the transition over time of the river.  These features are essential to Uber landscape; my desire is for the paintings to be seen as something that does reflect the overall effect of the river, from the oxbow lakes to the small floodplains, as well as the heavily eroded foreground banks’.

The Scottish Borders are steeped in history; following the twists and turns of the river Tweed will uncover the ancient towns of Kelso, Galashiels, Coldstream, Selkirk and Berwick.  There are stunning castles that line the border of Scotland and England; at Kelso, Lauder and Hermitage.  A castle with a long tradition, the stunningly beautiful Stobo Castle, has now become a spa resort and hotel.  Golf is, of course, at home in Scotland, and the Roxburghe Hotel and golf course, is a wonderful excuse to enjoy both the scenery and sport of the borders.