In the moment

This was my favourite spot at a local nature reserve to watch the wildlife as the trees make a beautiful framing and I love the pattern created with the reflection of the branches in the water. One day I captured a moment of solitude for a lone mute swan. I watched for some time as it contemplated the world, then preened leisurely with the sun glistening on its back and tail feathers. It felt like time had stopped. As I painted this I felt a strong desire to hold back from adding detail to the trees or overworking the swan. It seemed superfluous and to miss the point. It needed simplicity. Few things can surpass an undisturbed moment in a beautiful space tending to ourselves unhurried. Whenever I look at this image I am transported back to that moment.