Picture of the Month for January 2023 is The Way Through the Woods by Jan Bastow. It was chosen from the Members Gallery by Liz Real.

I really love this seemingly simple but clever rendition of trees which appear either threatening or benign, depending on what mood you are in. I particularly admire the way the artist has created depth in the composition, not least through the inclusion of a mysterious figure in the distance – are they approaching – or going away? Altogether this print conjures up a magical and timeless atmosphere with its limited palette and subtle overprinting.

I like to think that ‘The Way Through The Woods’ could be seen as a visual metaphor for hope – the proverbial ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ and something we need to focus on as we negotiate these difficult times and enter a new year.