Oil, cold wax and gold leaf on panel
120 x 101 cm framed

When Valleys Hold Fast to Light is an unusual composition for Paula, who typically works in square formats. The painting was initially inspired by an exhibition by Anselm Kiefer, whose use of gold leaf and turquoise tones sparked her ideas. As the work evolved, the placement of the gold leaf brought to mind a line from Nick Allen’s poetry, which she borrowed for the title.

This moorland-inspired painting reflects Paula’s enduring fascination with the beauty, atmosphere, and quiet isolation of the moors.