Studio Summer Exhibition: Wild of Wing, by Rachel Singleton
7 June – 28 September 2025
Artist Statement
Nature has always been my greatest source of inspiration—the beauty, the mystery, and the everyday moments of wonder that surround us. As a self-taught artist whose creative journey is rooted in a deep reverence for the natural world, I have developed a practice that captures the subtle interplay of light, movement, and emotion found in our native wildlife. My paintings act as a reminder that beauty often lies in the details that we might otherwise overlook.
Working in watercolour allows me to express the ethereal and shifting nature of the natural world. The fluidity of the medium is perfect for conveying the movement of wind through feathers, the shimmer of light on fur, the depth and shine in the eyes, and the hidden energies of the elements we are surrounded by. Rather than portraying wildlife as static subjects, I strive to imbue each painting with a sense of presence and vitality. Even after eight years on this creative journey, I continue to feel a little bolt of surprise and delight when my marks on the page suddenly turn into a living creature staring back at me.
Through my art, I explore the intersection of reality and imagination. While my subjects are drawn from real species, I aim to portray them through a visionary lens—celebrating their wild essence and evoking their mystery. My work captures not only the exquisite forms of the animals around us but also the very spirit of wildlife.
In every painting, I invite the audience to rediscover the magic and wonder of the everyday, to pause, reflect, and cherish the beauty that surrounds us. I hope that by witnessing a bird gracefully alight or experiencing a quiet moment when an animal appears viewers are gently reminded of their own deep connection to nature and inspired to live in a way that nurtures and protects the extraordinary wildlife surrounding us all.
Wild of Wing Description
In Wild of Wing these reflections come to life through a collection of paintings that celebrates the vibrant birdlife around Brantwood. Though birds are ever-present in our lives, they are often overlooked: as they flit through trees or call from unseen perches we can easily miss them. This collection of watercolour paintings focuses on the birds that call Brantwood home – the familiar robins that greet café visitors, the watchful sparrowhawk and tawny owl lingering in the shadows, the mallards drifting along the shoreline, and songbirds weaving their melodies.
I am continuously inspired by the graceful presence of birds—their beauty, delicacy, and lightness. Their intricate design, where every feather and marking contributes to the whole, speaks to nature’s exquisite balance. Birds capture our imagination. They have the gift of flight and an extraordinary ability to survive our highly variable UK weather, yet they are so delicate. Using a blend of precise brushwork and abstract elements, I explore both the precision of their form and the mystery they embody.
Each painting in the Wild of Wing collection offers a quiet moment to reflect on the beauty of our native birds, inviting you to cherish the subtle wonders of nature. As you walk the grounds of Brantwood, I hope this collection will allow the beauty of the wild to be revealed anew – hidden gems present in the hedgerows and treetops that inspire and deepen your connection to the world around you.
Exhibiting at Brantwood
Exhibiting at Brantwood represents an opportunity for me to share my passion for nature and inspire others to view wildlife as an essential part of our natural heritage. This first solo exhibition, set in a venue steeped in John Ruskin’s legacy of nature and learning, allows me to present my most ambitious body of work to date. Through a curated collection and accompanying text, I encourage viewers to embrace their role as stewards of native wildlife and habitats, deepening their connection to the natural world and igniting a commitment to its protection.
Further information:
- Brantwood is open every day during summer (10.30 – 5.00) and Wednesday to Sunday (from 13 November) during winter (10.30 – 4.30), also closing on Christmas & Boxing Day.
- Costs: Admission to the house and gardens is £15.00 for adults, £12.50 for students and free for children (16 and under).
- Location Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AD
- For more information please call 015394 41396; email: enquiries@brantwood.org.uk
