Winter Egret by Clarissa James captures the poised elegance of a small white egret, perched delicately on a branch amidst a serene marshland. The composition exudes stillness and refinement, with every element carefully rendered to enhance the quiet beauty of the scene. The egret, its pristine plumage softly illuminated against the muted background, stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptability. Its wings are partially outstretched, suggesting a moment between balance and flight, readiness and rest. The surrounding reeds, golden and brittle from the cold, frame the bird with subtle verticality, while the reflective surface of the frozen marsh below glimmers faintly, adding depth and texture to the landscape. The egret has long been associated with purity, wisdom, and adaptability, qualities that Clarissa seeks to emphasise in this contemplative work. The bird’s solitary stance suggests independence and grace, while the delicate balance of its posture evokes a sense of lightness and precision. The muted palette—soft whites, pale golds, and earthy browns—enhances the wintery atmosphere, conveying both the chill of the season and the quiet warmth of light reflecting off ice and water. This interplay between coolness and luminosity is further heightened by Clarissa’s use of silver leaf, which imbues the painting with a subtle, otherworldly glow, transforming the marsh into a place of quiet magic.

“In Mungyeong we stopped the car because several were stalking the water of a small river for fish. It was lovely to see. On the first day, it was just a cold winter day. Over night it snowed heavily. We were up in this small mountain town to visit the local film studios - a huge area where a small historical town has been built to scale in an end valley to serve as location for many of the historic stories. From palaces to noble houses to paupers huts. It was magical early in the morning with about 40cm of fresh snow on the ground - being the only people there. On the way out, we saw the egrets again. This time with snow. It was so beautiful… The second part of the inspiration was observing a single egret by the Thames on Portmeadow in Oxford. I would see him from time to time just on the riverbank by himself. Water flowing over part submerged reeds. One of my favourite impressions during the lockdown period.”