Sheep grazing at the edge of a Beech Wood

Edmund G. Warren specialized in woodland subjects depicting majestic trees, usually beech, with sunlight filtering through the canopy of leaves into shady glades. He became an associate member of the New Water Colour Society in 1852. Four years later he graduated to full membership, and in due course his arboreal subjects were among the most sought after and popular works to be shown there.

The present watercolor takes up the theme of Warren's best known works, and it is a particularly fine example of his skill at depicting almost photographic effects in nature.