'Water Buffalo and Rice Terraces, the Philippines' is a stunning painting by world-renowned artist John Dyer. Painted in the rice paddy fields during his residency for the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the United Nations' Year of Rice, this incredible painting captures the natural beauty and diversity of the Philippines.

The rich purple sky complementing the orange hues of the rice straw is simply breathtaking, and the water buffalo standing in the centre of the composition is a sight to behold. The hardworking farmers are depicted using palm leaves and straw hats to protect against the tropical sun, showing the true strength and resilience of the human spirit.

This wonderful painting is a true masterpiece and would make a stunning addition to any home or office.

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"South of IRRI in an area of low rice terraces, I find myself painting beneath a coconut tree and feeling rather anxious as the wind starts to rise! The terracing of the land creates a natural drawing of the contours and compartmentalised the areas of colour and texture. A water buffalo stands motionless in the heat – only visited occasionally by a white stork. A rat runs past my paints making me jump and I am reminded that it could have easily been a snake and that farming has a variety of natural risks. The people wear traditional hats to shade them and wear large dried palm leaves on their backs for shade. Thunder clouds gather over the landscape and tropical rain threatens. The water buffalo finally sits down as I complete the canvas with towering palm leaves and swooping birds."

John Dyer

The painting is featured in the book 'Painting the Colours of the World' by Kate Dinn.

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