About this artwork

This lush, idyllic scene shows Penwhapple stream in the woodland near Penkill Castle, Ayrshire. Scott was a close friend of Alice Boyd who lived in the Castle, and whom he visited regularly from 1860 until his death. They would often paint together at the side of the stream. Here, great beams of sun-light stream through the thick forest canopy, illuminating the scene and flooding it with light. Scott's painting is awash with varying green tones. He used light shades for the sun-drenched foliage, and darker ones for the areas thrown into shadow. Although the overall picture is rather sketchy, some areas have been given more detailed attention, such as the glistening wet boulders that are highlighted with white.

Updated before 2020

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William Bell Scott

William Bell Scott