I had been on the hunt for somewhere truly inspiring to paint—a place where the character of a temperate forest could really come through on canvas.
Ancient woodlands have always fascinated me, so I began searching for pockets of them hidden across the UK. That’s when I came across a name that immediately stood out: Puzzlewood.
It sounded mysterious, almost storybook-like, and I couldn’t resist finding out more. This forest has not only captured the imagination of walkers and nature lovers but has also been chosen as a backdrop for huge productions like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. The idea of exploring a place with such an otherworldly atmosphere was irresistible—I knew I had to see it for myself.
Tolkein's Real Middle-Earth
Puzzlewood is believed to have been a major inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's forests in his novels, shaping his vision of Middle-earth. It’s an ancient woodland known for its otherworldly atmosphere, with deep ravines, moss-covered rocks, and a maze-like network of paths.
Puzzlewood has a thriving Yew and mixed woodland, an abundance of healthy mosses and liverworts growing on rocks, fallen timber and festooning the tree branches, a very healthy Lichen flora, including Beard lichens,and very healthy Polypody ferns growing in colonies dotted around...
The forest has also provided the backdrop for many films and TV series including Star Wars, Harry Potter and Doctor Who.
Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, once described Puzzlewood as “The Most Magical Forest on the Face of the Earth.” See Kathleen talking about the filming process at Puzzlewood here. https://youtu.be/xi5suoy5gDY?si=rgCLHDFiix1D7ldX
A Sense of Place
A day painting plein air - turned into more than just an exercise with brushes and canvas—it was about slowing down enough to enhance my working practices, and to be fully immersed in this magical landscape.
The reality of outdoor painting is that paints dry more quickly than expected, passersby are often curious, & the weather changes with little warning. But those interruptions became part of the experience. Out in the open, the urge to add every detail can take over, and the result can sometimes feel unnatural. Puzzlewood seemed like the perfect place to try outdoor painting again.
A Father & Son Experience
My son Drew @artbydrewstanley joined me with his own paints, and it was good to watch him discover how different it feels to paint outside compared to the calm of a studio location. Working outdoors means letting go of the pressure to be exact. The goal is to capture a sense of the place: the shapes, colours, and the feeling of standing within it. The mossy rocks looked almost arranged, sculptural in a way, and they pushed me to think differently about how to build a composition. Instead of focusing on smaller details, I started looking for abstract shape and form within a wider scene.
Wild, Wild Wood
The forest is dense and atmospheric, full of narrow tracks, natural sculptures, and light that shifts constantly between green shadows and sudden bursts of brightness.
The Artistic Allure Of A Temperate Forest
It doesn’t take long to see why so many artists have been drawn to it. Every turn feels designed to hold your attention, to pull you into another corner. Many artists worldwide have studied the landscape of puzzlewood, capturing its knarled beauty on canvas.
Read about Belgium artist Simonne De Visscher who spent time at Puzzlewood here https://www.puzzlewood.net/index.php/component/content/article/puzzlewood-as-artistic-inspiration?catid=17&Itemid=101
Translating Woodland Wonder into Art
A Plethora Of Puzzlewood Inspiration
Visiting Puzzlewood was an experience unlike any other. The twisted yew trees, clinging to moss-covered rocks, created an atmosphere that felt both eerie and inspiring. I wasn’t sure if I could capture that still, almost otherworldly energy in my work—but the challenge was irresistible. I left feeling so energized creatively and couldn't wait to return to my studio to start a new series of paintings.
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