Highlands

In Uber Highlands, Forster captures the breathtaking panoramic view of the Scottish Highlands, reflecting the exhilaration of a climb, the isolation, the achievement, the wind and the fortunes of the changing weather.  One particular range, the Torridons, are the oldest mountain range in Europe; exuding a mix of ancient history and melancholic beauty.  The highlands scene is perhaps best described by Lord Byron, on how ‘He who first met the Highlands swelling blue, Will love each peak that shows a kindred hue’.

Forster states that ‘I have always enjoyed climbing and painting mountains and I firmly believe that a mountain is at its best in winter, preferably with a good sprinkle of snow on it. This brings out the shape; the spine, the bones of the subject.  I can then see how it lies, how it is formed and to a degree that is what Highlands is all about.

This painting has another unusual aspect to it in that it is painted from an elevated perspective. This is crucial as it puts the viewer as on and part of the mountain, creating a stronger sense of involvement. It is a privilege to be in this elevated position with the mountain side giving away its extended views.  Due to the lie of the snow we have a clear sense of North and South and once again the geography of the landscape is crucial and hints to an ancient past aside from the highland sheep; it is a landscape all to itself.

It is not easy to define the exact boundary of the Scottish Highlands, but roughly lies north of a line from Greenock to Inverness.  The area contains numerous national parks including Trossachs and Cairngorms, and is peppered with numerous stunning lochs including Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and Loch Tay.  The highlands have long been visited and adored by writers and poets including Robert Burns, William Wordsworth, and Lord Byron. Nestling in the hills of Strathearn, is Knock Castle, a 19th Century retreat with spa treatments, wonderful food and lodgings.  Inverness is home to the self titled Inverness golf club, founded in 1883; it has a long tradition of hosting major golfing events.  No visit to the highlands would be complete without visiting Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Queen.