I went out to paint the other day in the neighbouring village of Twyford where I came across this scene. When I arrived it was very overcast and the trees in the middle and background formed a solid grey mass. But when the sun came out to my left, the transformation was dramatic to say the least.

I took the photograph during the painting and was reminded how much the wide angle lens of the phone's camera distorts the view. So it's not much good as a reference photo per se, but it still gives some idea of what attracted me to the scene. I made some adjustments to the arrangement of the trees in the central area. I wasn't sure about the fence to begin with, but eventually decided to keep it. I have tried to give it a less regimented, forbidding look.

A few people came to chat. A man who lives opposite the field explained that the water was not flood water but spring water rising up from the water table. As such, it encouraged the grass to grow , much to the delight of the grazing sheep.

Another passer-by, who is a hobby photographer, kindly suggested other places near the village that would be worth exploring for great riverside views. So, all in all, I spent a most enjoyable afternoon.