Southwell Minster’s West Gate with its ancient bell-shaped yew trees on either side is an impressive prelude to the Minster itself. In this painting, the cathedral is relegated to the background. I loved the way the snow clothed the Yews, which gave opportunities for shadows helping to emphasise their shape. This oil painting came very straightforwardly, with a sense of the freedom that I find a watercolour more normally allows – the painting virtually creating itself – with me just orchestrating the compositional elements.

Susan Isaac - The West Gate of Southwell Minster (oil on canvas, 20 x 50cm)