
The story of Cotswolds Cartography
When I was bedridden 24/7, I spent day after day staring at the white ceiling and grey walls of my bedroom, starved of the colour and vibrancy of the outside world. I’d never been someone into nature or animals — as a child, I’d switch channels when Johnny Morris came on; as an adult, Countryfile bored me to tears. But when I lost the privilege of seeing landscapes and wildlife, I missed them deeply. Most of all, I ached for colour.
When my Occupational Therapist encouraged me to try making art again from bed, something shifted. My work exploded with the hues I’d been craving. Why not paint hills blue and valleys red? Reality had been so muted — I needed all the brightness, imagination, and joy I could find.
This piece was based on several online photos of the Cotswolds, since I wasn’t well enough to go there myself. I incorporated collage from old maps of the area, pouring in all the hope and happiness I imagined I’d feel when I could finally return to the great outdoors.
If you’ve ever longed to be somewhere you couldn’t reach, this painting might speak to you too. It’s a reminder that joy can return — and colour with it.
Painting Details
This original painting is made with acrylic and mixed media on a 40 × 40 cm cradled wood panel, finished with a protective acrylic gel coating. Price: £480.
This work is currently unframed and ready to hang but professional framing can be arranged upon request. Please Contact Me to discuss options if so.
If you’d like to see how this painting might look in your space, just email me at Rachel Gabriel Art with a photo of your room — I’ll create a custom mockup to help you visualise it in situ. Please bear in mind that all mock-up photos are not made to specific measurements - they're just to give you an idea of how it could look.
Delivery
Free postage for collectors who live in the UK mainland.
If you live outside the UK, please Contact Me to discuss shipping.
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