TV presenter and naturalist Iolo Williams stars in a new series where his portrait will be painted capturing the importance of mid Wales to his life.

In the second programme of the new series of Cymry ar Gynfas (The Welsh on Canvas) on Wednesday, 21 April at 9pm, a portrait of Iolo will be painted by the artist Meinir Mathias, who has a studio in Talgarreg, Ceredigion.

Iolo and artist Meinir Mathias meet in a place that is very close to Iolo’s heart, namely Rhiwargor waterfall near Lake Vyrnwy. The valley and the path up to the waterfall is full of wonderful childhood memories for Iolo and he remembers the first time that he went to this place, which inspired him to pursue the field he specialises in today.

Bringing Meinir to this area at the beginning of the process was all important to Iolo: “Every time I’ve had a gutsful of the world and its trials and tribulations, this is the place I escape to... I wanted her to see the area which has had such an impact on me. I have had the genetics from Mam and Dad but the flesh on this DNA comes from this area.”

Meinir, as someone who loves nature, birds and walking along with Iolo’s passion for nature makes this a perfect partnership. And reaching the top of the waterfall and seeing the glorious views in his company obviously inspires Meinir.

“Iolo has a lot of energy and seeing him losing himself in the landscape was like watching a child playing. He got so excited about the smallest flower or something that he saw in the woods ... I wanted to capture that energy.”

The unveiling happens two months later in Oriel Canfas, Aberteifi. Has Meinir succeeded in capturing the energy and spirit of some of Iolo’s favourite things and will the importance of this area to his life be reflected in the finished piece? Don’t miss the next episode in Cymry ar Gynfas for the answers and to see the finished portrait.

During this series Llanerfyl-based artist Christine Mills will paint a portrait of musician and lead vocalist of the band Candelas Osian Huw Williams.